Wow, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I’m a librarian, right? And today, I was in Arpino, this cute little town in Italy. You know, the one with the medieval vibe and all those narrow streets? Yeah, that one.
So, I wake up, and it’s sunny. Like, “hey, let’s go explore” kinda sunny. I grab my coffee from that tiny café on Via Roma. Best cappuccino ever, by the way. I mean, I could swim in it. But then, boom! My phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “Hey, can you cover the library today?” Ugh, fine. I love my job, but come on!
I get to the library, and it’s dead. Like, crickets chirping dead. I’m just shelving books, right? Then, outta nowhere, a group of tourists bursts in. They’re all like, “Where’s the bathroom?” I’m like, “Dude, it’s right there!” But they’re too busy taking selfies with the old books. I mean, really? Who takes selfies with dusty old tomes?
Anyway, I’m trying to help them, but they’re more interested in the cute cat that hangs around the library. Yeah, we have a library cat. His name’s Dante. He’s a legend. So, I’m showing them Dante, and they’re all squealing. I’m like, “Guys, it’s just a cat!” But whatever, I’m happy they’re happy.
Then, I decide to take a break. I stroll down to Piazza Municipio. It’s beautiful, with that old fountain and the view of the mountains. I sit on a bench, just soaking it all in. But then, this guy comes up to me. He’s selling gelato. I’m like, “Yes, please!” I get a scoop of pistachio, and it’s like heaven in my mouth.
But then, I see this old lady struggling with her groceries on Via dei Fiori. I rush over, because, you know, good karma and all that. I help her, and she’s super grateful. She starts telling me about her life in Arpino. She’s lived here forever! She talks about the festivals, the food, and how the town used to be. I’m just standing there, totally captivated.
But then, outta nowhere, I hear this loud crash. I turn around, and it’s a bunch of kids playing soccer. They kicked the ball right into a window! I’m like, “Oh no, not again!” I run over, and the owner of the shop is furious. I’m trying to calm him down, but he’s waving his arms like a madman. I’m thinking, “Dude, it’s just a window!” But I get it, it’s his livelihood.
After that chaos, I head back to the library. I’m exhausted, but then I see a little girl reading to Dante. It’s the cutest thing ever! She’s so into her story, and Dante’s just purring away. I can’t help but smile. Moments like this make it all worth it, ya know?
As the day winds down, I’m cleaning up. I find a note someone left in a book. It says, “Thank you for the stories.” I’m like, “Aww, that’s sweet!” It hits me right in the feels.
So, yeah, Arpino is a wild ride. It’s got charm, chaos, and a whole lotta heart. I’m beat, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!