Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bartender in Bovalino-Superiore is like riding a rollercoaster. One minute you’re chillin’, the next you’re dodging flying bottles. So, let’s rewind to this morning.
I woke up late, of course. My alarm? Yeah, it decided to take a vacation. So, I’m rushin’ through my tiny apartment on Via Roma, trippin’ over my own feet. I finally get to the bar, “Il Bar di Bovalino,” just in time for the lunch crowd.
First customer? This old dude, Giovanni. He’s like a local legend. Always tells the same stories. “Back in my day…” Yeah, we get it, Giovanni. But today, he’s got a twinkle in his eye. He orders a spritz, and I swear, it’s like he’s just won the lottery. I mix it up, and he’s grinning like a kid. That made me smile, ya know?
Then, boom! The door swings open. In walks a group of tourists. They’re loud, obnoxious, and totally lost. They start asking about the best gelato in town. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in Bovalino-Superiore! Just walk down Corso Umberto I, you’ll find it.” But no, they want me to give them a tour. I’m a bartender, not a tour guide!
So, I pour ‘em some local wine. They love it. I’m thinkin’, “Great, now they’ll never leave.” But then, one of ‘em spills red wine all over the bar. I’m like, “Seriously? This ain’t a paintball match!” I’m scrubbing it up, and they’re just laughing. Ugh, I could’ve lost it.
After that chaos, things calmed down. I had a moment to breathe. The sun was setting over the hills, and it was beautiful. I could see the Aspromonte mountains in the distance. It’s moments like that that remind me why I love this place.
But then, my buddy Marco shows up. He’s had a rough day. He’s ranting about his job at the olive oil factory. “They don’t appreciate me!” he says. I’m like, “Dude, you’re the best at what you do!” But he’s not hearing it. So, I pour him a double. He downs it like it’s water. Classic Marco.
Then, outta nowhere, this couple comes in. They’re arguing. Like, full-on shouting. I’m just trying to serve drinks, and they’re throwing insults like confetti. I’m thinkin’, “Can’t you take it outside?” But no, they keep going. Finally, I’m like, “Hey! This is a bar, not a boxing ring!” They stop, look at me, and then start laughing. I guess I’m a comedian now?
As the night rolls on, the bar fills up. Locals, tourists, all mixed together. I’m pouring drinks, cracking jokes, and trying to keep the peace. It’s wild. I love it, but man, it’s exhausting.
Around midnight, things start to wind down. I’m cleaning up, and I see Giovanni again. He’s sitting at the bar, alone. I pour him one last drink. “To Bovalino-Superiore,” he says, raising his glass. I join him. “To Bovalino!”
And just like that, the day wraps up. I’m tired, but happy. Bovalino-Superiore is my home. It’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s full of surprises. Can’t wait to do it all over again tomorrow.