Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a barista in Castiglion-Fiorentino is like riding a rollercoaster, but today? Today was a whole different ride.
So, I roll into work at Caffè dei Fiori, right? It’s on Via Roma, the main drag. The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First customer walks in. It’s this old dude, Mr. Bianchi. He’s like 80 but thinks he’s 20. Orders a double espresso, no sugar. I’m like, “You sure, man? That’s some strong stuff.” He just winks and says, “I’m not afraid of life!” I mean, whoa, right? I love that energy.
But then, boom! The power goes out. Just like that. I’m standing there, half a cup of coffee in my hand, and the whole place goes dark. I’m like, “Great, just great.” The espresso machine? Dead. The lights? Dead. My hopes? Also dead.
So, I’m scrambling around, trying to find candles. I trip over a chair, and of course, I spill coffee all over my apron. Classic. I’m cursing under my breath, thinking about how I’m gonna explain this to my boss, Marco. He’s already got a short fuse.
Finally, the lights flicker back on. Thank you, sweet electricity! But then, the line is out the door. I’m talkin’ all the way to Piazza della Repubblica. People are grumpy, and I’m like, “Chill, folks! It’s just coffee!” But no, they’re all like zombies, staring at me like I’m their only hope.
I’m hustling, pouring cappuccinos, and trying to remember who ordered what. I swear, I mixed up a latte with a macchiato. Oops. Sorry, lady! She didn’t even notice. She was too busy scrolling on her phone.
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs in. He’s like, maybe 10? He’s got a soccer ball under his arm and a huge grin. He yells, “Can I have a hot chocolate?” I’m like, “Sure, buddy! But no soccer in here!” He just laughs and says, “I’ll try not to kick it!”
That kid made my day. Seriously, I needed that.
But then, just when I thought it couldn’t get crazier, a couple walks in. They’re tourists, obviously. They start asking me about the best gelato in town. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in Italy! Just try everything!” But they want specifics. I’m trying to remember the name of that place on Via Cavour. You know, the one with the crazy flavors?
I’m stammering, “Uh, there’s… um, Gelateria Artigianale! Yeah, that’s it!” They look at me like I just solved a Rubik’s cube. I mean, come on!
Finally, the rush dies down. I’m wiping down the counter, and Marco walks in. He’s got that look, you know? The “What did you break today?” look. I’m like, “Nothing! Just a little chaos.” He rolls his eyes but can’t help but smile.
As the sun sets over Castiglion-Fiorentino, the streets glow. The old stone buildings, the narrow alleys, it’s all so beautiful. I take a moment to breathe it all in. This town, man. It’s got its quirks, but it’s home.
I close up shop, and as I walk down Via Roma, I can hear laughter from the piazza. People are enjoying life, and I can’t help but feel grateful. Sure, today was a mess, but it was MY mess. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, here’s to another day in Castiglion-Fiorentino. Bring on the chaos!