Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a baker in Casoria is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up at the crack of dawn, right? The sun’s barely peeking over the rooftops on Via Roma, and I’m already knee-deep in flour. I mean, who needs sleep when you’ve got dough to knead?
First off, I’m makin’ my famous sfogliatelle. You know, those flaky pastries that make you wanna cry? Yeah, those. I’m rollin’ the dough, and suddenly, my neighbor, old Signora Maria, starts bangin’ on my door. She’s like, “Hey! You got any bread?” I’m like, “Lady, it’s 5 AM!” But I can’t say no. So, I toss her a loaf, and she’s all smiles. Sweet old lady, but c’mon, give a guy a break!
Then, I head out to the market on Piazza Cirillo. It’s bustling, as usual. Vendors shoutin’, people haggling. I’m tryin’ to grab some fresh ingredients, but this guy, Antonio, keeps bumpin’ into me. I’m like, “Dude, back off!” But he just laughs and offers me a tomato. A TOMATO! Like I’m gonna make a pizza or somethin’. I just want my flour, man!
So, I finally get my stuff and head back. But wait! I see this street performer on Via Garibaldi. He’s playin’ the accordion, and it’s actually kinda good. I stop for a sec, and this little kid starts dancin’. I’m talkin’ full-on twirls and everything. It’s adorable! Makes me forget about the flour on my shirt. I’m grinnin’ like an idiot.
But then, BAM! My phone buzzes. It’s my delivery guy, Luca. He’s stuck in traffic on Via Nazionale. I’m like, “Dude, you’re late!” I need those ingredients for the afternoon rush. I swear, if he doesn’t show up soon, I’m gonna lose it. I can’t have a bakery without my stuff, right?
Finally, he rolls in, lookin’ like he just ran a marathon. I’m like, “What took ya so long?” He just shrugs and hands me the boxes. I’m relieved, but also kinda annoyed. I mean, c’mon, it’s not that hard to drive!
So, I’m back in the kitchen, and things are goin’ smooth. I’m mixin’, kneadin’, and the smell of fresh bread fills the air. It’s heavenly! But then, I hear a crash. I turn around, and my assistant, Marco, has dropped a whole tray of pastries. I’m like, “Are you serious, bro?” He’s panicking, and I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool. We can’t afford to waste anything!
After a bit of chaos, we finally get everything sorted. The customers start pouring in, and I’m feelin’ the love. People are raving about my bread, and I’m on cloud nine. I even see a couple of regulars from Via San Giovanni. They’re always so supportive. Makes all the craziness worth it.
But then, just when I think it’s smooth sailing, the power goes out! I’m like, “No way!” The whole block goes dark. I’m standin’ there, covered in flour, lookin’ like a ghost. I can’t believe it! I’m about to lose all my dough! Literally!
But then, the locals start pullin’ out their phones, and we’re all lightin’ up the place with flashlights. It’s kinda funny, actually. We’re all in this together, and I’m just tryin’ to keep the vibe alive. I start crackin’ jokes, and people are laughin’. It’s a weird moment, but it’s also kinda beautiful.
Finally, the power comes back on, and I’m back in business. I’m servin’ up bread like a champ, and the day ends on a high note. I’m exhausted, but happy. Casoria, man, it’s wild. Full of surprises, but that’s what makes it home.
So, I close up shop, and as I walk down Via Roma, I can’t help but smile. This city, with all its quirks and chaos, it’s where I belong. Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!