Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, Cagnano-Varano really knows how to throw a curveball. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was anything but.
First off, I head down Via Roma, my usual route to the shop. The cobblestones are all bumpy, like they’re tryin’ to give me a massage or somethin’. I’m dodging potholes like I’m in some kinda obstacle course. And then, bam! I trip over a loose stone. Classic me. I’m like, “Great start, genius.”
Get to the shop, and it’s a mess. My tools are everywhere. I swear, it looks like a tornado hit a shoe factory. I’m tryin’ to find my favorite hammer, the one I named “Thumper.” Yeah, I name my tools. Don’t judge. Anyway, I finally find it under a pile of leather scraps.
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Marco swings by. He’s all hyped up, talkin’ about the festival in the piazza. “You gotta come, man! It’s gonna be epic!” I’m like, “Dude, I got shoes to fix!” But he’s relentless. “C’mon, just for a bit!” So, I’m thinkin’, why not? A little break won’t kill me.
I lock up the shop and we head to the piazza. It’s packed! People everywhere, music blaring, and the smell of fried dough fills the air. I’m in heaven. I grab a slice of pizza from that little stand on Via Cavour. Best pizza in town, no contest. I’m munching away, and then I see it. A guy juggling knives. Like, seriously? Who thought that was a good idea? I’m half impressed, half terrified.
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by, knocks my pizza right outta my hand. I’m like, “Nooooo!” It’s like slow motion. I watch it hit the ground. My heart breaks. I’m ready to chase the kid down, but Marco’s laughin’ his head off. “It’s just pizza, man!” Just pizza? That was my lunch!
After that, I’m feelin’ a bit down. But then, I spot a couple of old ladies from the neighborhood, gossiping like it’s their job. They’re talkin’ about the new gelato place on Via San Giovanni. Apparently, it’s the best thing since sliced bread. I’m like, “Okay, I need gelato.”
So, we head over. I get a scoop of pistachio, and wow. It’s like a party in my mouth. I’m grinning like an idiot. Marco’s makin’ fun of me, but I don’t care. Life’s too short to not enjoy gelato, right?
But then, just when I think the day’s turning around, I get a call from a customer. “Hey, my shoes are falling apart!” I’m like, “What do you want me to do? They’re ancient!” But I can’t say that. So, I promise to fix them ASAP. Ugh, the joys of being a shoemaker.
We head back to the shop, and I’m back to work. I’m hammering away, and I can’t help but think about the day. Cagnano-Varano is wild, man. One minute you’re tripping over stones, the next you’re eating gelato and watching knife jugglers.
As I’m working, I hear the church bells ringing. It’s a beautiful sound, really. Reminds me of home. I take a moment, just to breathe it all in. This little town, with its narrow streets and colorful houses, it’s got a charm that’s hard to beat.
But then, I get a splinter. Of course! Just what I needed. I’m cursing under my breath, trying to get it out. “Why do I do this to myself?” I mutter. But then I remember, I love making shoes. It’s my thing.
Finally, I finish up for the day. I’m exhausted but happy. Cagnano-Varano, you crazy little town, you’ve given me a day to remember. I lock up the shop, ready to head home. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? But I’m ready for it. Bring it on!