Man, what a day! Seriously, Eboli, you’ve got me all kinds of twisted. I woke up thinking it’d be just another chill day in this little Italian town. But nah, Eboli had other plans.
First off, I’m staying at this cute little B&B on Via Roma. Super cozy, right? But the owner, Maria, bless her heart, is a total character. She’s like a nonna on espresso. She starts talking about the history of Eboli like she’s giving a TED talk. I’m like, “Lady, I just want my coffee!” But she’s all about that “Eboli is the heart of Campania” vibe. I mean, I get it, but c’mon!
So, I finally get my caffeine fix and head out. I’m strolling down Corso Umberto I, soaking in the sights. The buildings are all old-school charm, you know? But then, bam! I trip over a cobblestone. Classic me, right? I’m sprawled out like a starfish, and this old dude just laughs. Like, thanks, man. Real supportive.
After that little mishap, I decide to check out the local market on Via Giuseppe Mazzini. OMG, the food! Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and these pastries that look like they were made by angels. I’m drooling, but then I see the prices. I’m like, “What? I didn’t sign up for a second mortgage!” But whatever, I grab a sfogliatella. Worth every cent.
Then, I meet this guy, Luca. He’s a local artist, and he’s painting this mural on the side of a building. It’s a huge piece, vibrant colors, and he’s super passionate about it. We start chatting, and he tells me about the history of Eboli. Apparently, it’s where Carlo Levi wrote “Christ Stopped at Eboli.” I’m like, “Dude, I’ve read that!” And he’s all excited, like I’m some kind of celebrity.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. I mean, like, monsoon-level rain. I’m soaked in seconds. I duck into a café on Via San Giovanni. It’s packed, and I’m just standing there, dripping like a wet dog. Everyone’s looking at me like I’m the main event. I can’t help but laugh.
Finally, the rain stops, and I head to the historic center. The streets are all slick and shiny, and I’m feeling kinda poetic. I wander around, checking out the Church of Santa Maria della Grazie. It’s beautiful, but I’m still thinking about that sfogliatella. Priorities, right?
As I’m walking, I bump into this group of kids playing soccer in the piazza. They invite me to join. I’m like, “Me? Play soccer? You must be joking!” But they’re persistent. So, I kick the ball around, and it’s a disaster. I can’t even kick straight! But they’re laughing, and I’m laughing, and for a moment, I forget I’m a visiting professor. I’m just a dude having fun in Eboli.
But then, I get a call from my university. They’re like, “We need you to give a lecture tomorrow.” I’m like, “What? I’m in Italy!” But they don’t care. So, I’m stressed, trying to figure out how to blend my lecture with all this Eboli magic.
By the time I get back to the B&B, I’m exhausted. I flop onto the bed, and Maria brings me a plate of pasta. I’m like, “You’re a lifesaver!” And she just smiles, saying, “Eboli takes care of its own.”
So, yeah, Eboli, you’ve been a wild ride. I’m angry, happy, surprised, and a little soggy. But I wouldn’t trade this day for anything. You’ve got my heart, even if I tripped over your cobblestones. Here’s to more adventures in this crazy little town!