Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a barber in Casal-Bertone is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I roll into the shop on Via dei Glicini, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First client walks in. It’s Marco, the dude with the wild hair. I mean, this guy looks like he just survived a tornado. He plops down in my chair, and I’m like, “Bro, what happened? Did you wrestle a hedgehog?” He laughs, but I can see he’s stressed. Turns out, he’s got a date tonight. A DATE! And he needs to look sharp. No pressure, right?
So, I’m snippin’ away, and suddenly, the power goes out. Just like that! I’m in the dark, scissors in hand, and Marco’s hair is half-done. I’m like, “Great, now I’m a barber and a magician.” I fumble around for my phone, and thank God for flashlights. I’m shining it on his head, trying to finish the job.
Then, outta nowhere, I hear shouting outside. I peek out the window on Via di Villa Serventi, and there’s a whole crowd. Turns out, some guy’s trying to sell gelato, but he’s got a cart that’s broken down. People are losing it! “I need my gelato!” they scream. I’m thinkin’, “Dude, it’s just ice cream!” But hey, I get it. It’s hot, and gelato is life.
Finally, the power comes back. I finish Marco’s cut, and he looks fresh! He’s all smiles, and I’m like, “You’re gonna knock her socks off!” He rushes out, and I’m feelin’ good. But then, my next client, Lucia, walks in. She’s a regular, but today she’s got this wild look in her eyes.
“Did you hear about the protest on Via di Casal Bertone?” she asks. I’m like, “What protest?” Apparently, folks are mad about the new bike lanes. I mean, I get it, but c’mon! It’s just a bike lane! But people are passionate, ya know?
So, I’m cuttin’ her hair, and she’s ranting about it. “They’re taking away our parking!” she says. I’m nodding, but inside I’m thinkin’, “Lady, you live in a city! Parking is a myth!” But I keep my mouth shut.
After Lucia, I take a breather. I step outside for a smoke on Via di Villa Bonelli. The air is thick with the smell of pizza from the nearby pizzeria. I swear, if I could bottle that smell, I’d be rich. I see the protestors marching by, waving signs. “Save Our Streets!” they chant. I chuckle. “You guys should try cutting hair. It’s way more fun!”
Then, my buddy Antonio shows up. He’s got this wild idea to start a barbershop choir. I’m like, “Dude, we can’t even sing in the shower!” But he’s serious. “Think about it! We could do a concert!” I’m just shaking my head, but it’s hilarious.
The day rolls on, and I’m exhausted. I’ve had clients in and out, all with their own dramas. But then, this little kid walks in with his mom. He’s got this huge smile, and he says, “I want to be like you when I grow up!” My heart melts. I’m like, “Kid, you can be anything you want!”
As the sun sets over Casal-Bertone, I’m cleaning up the shop. I think about the day. The chaos, the laughter, the gelato drama. It’s all part of the gig. I love this place, with its streets and stories.
So, yeah, being a barber here is wild. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Casal-Bertone, you crazy, beautiful mess, you’ve got my heart.