Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Cividale del Friuli ain’t for the faint of heart. I mean, I thought it’d be chill, ya know? Just pushin’ buttons and takin’ folks up and down. But nah, today was a wild ride.
So, I roll into work at this old building on Via Monastero. It’s got that classic vibe, like, you can almost hear the ghosts of monks whisperin’ or somethin’. I’m just settlin’ in, ready to hit the “up” button, when this lady storms in. She’s all flustered, hair a mess, and I’m like, “Whoa, what’s up?” Turns out she lost her cat. In Cividale! I mean, it’s a small town, how do you lose a cat? But she’s frantic, and I’m tryin’ to be supportive, ya know?
So, I’m like, “Let’s go find your cat!” I hit the button for the top floor, and we’re zoomin’ up. I’m thinkin’ about how I’ve never seen a cat on the fifth floor. But hey, I’m all in. We get to the top, and she bolts outta the elevator like a rocket. I’m just standin’ there, like, “What about me?”
Then, while I’m waitin’, I start thinkin’ about the history of this place. Cividale’s got roots, man. Founded by Julius Caesar, can you believe that? I mean, I’m just an elevator guy, but I feel the weight of history sometimes. Like, I’m carryin’ people up and down where ancient Romans probably walked. Crazy, right?
Anyway, back to the cat. She comes back, no cat. Just tears. I’m feelin’ for her, but also, I’m like, “Lady, I gotta get back to work.” So, I tell her, “Hey, maybe check the Piazza del Duomo? Cats love chillin’ by the church.” She thanks me and runs off.
Next up, this dude hops in. He’s all decked out in a suit, lookin’ like he’s off to some fancy meeting. I hit the button for the ground floor, and he starts talkin’ about the best wine in Cividale. I’m like, “Dude, it’s 10 AM!” But he’s passionate, goin’ on about the Refosco grape. I’m nodding, but inside I’m thinkin’, “Man, I just want a coffee.”
Then, outta nowhere, the elevator stops. Just stops! I’m like, “Oh great, this is how I die.” I hit the emergency button, and it’s silent. I’m sweatin’ bullets. But then I hear a voice. It’s the maintenance guy, Marco. He’s like, “Chill, bro, I’ll get ya out.” I’m like, “Thanks, man, but I’m not ready to be a ghost in Cividale yet!”
Finally, he gets us movin’ again. I’m relieved, but now I’m late. I rush to the café on Via Garibaldi for my coffee fix. I order a cappuccino, and the barista, she’s super cute. I’m tryin’ to play it cool, but I spill half of it on my shirt. Classic me, right? She laughs, and I’m like, “Yeah, I meant to do that.” Smooth, huh?
After that, I head back to the elevator. More people, more stories. A couple of tourists hop in, and they’re all excited about the Devil’s Bridge. I’m like, “Yeah, it’s cool, but have you tried the gnocchi at Trattoria Da Nino?” They look at me like I’m crazy. But hey, food is life, right?
As the day rolls on, I’m up and down, up and down. I see the same folks again, and it’s like a weird little family. I even start recognizing their faces. There’s this old man who always tells me about the best spots to see the Natisone River. I’m like, “Dude, I work in an elevator, not a travel agency!” But I love it.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I helped a lady find her cat (kinda), chatted about wine, and spilled coffee on myself. Cividale del Friuli, man, it’s got its quirks, but it’s home. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything. Well, maybe for a lifetime supply of gnocchi. But that’s a different story!