Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a barista in Gavardo-Sopraponte is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m late. Classic me. I sprint down Via Roma, dodging old ladies and their dogs. Seriously, why do they walk so slow? I’m like, “C’mon, I got coffee to brew!” Finally, I get to the café, and the line is out the door. I’m talkin’ like, all the way to Piazza Garibaldi. I’m sweating bullets, but I put on my best barista smile. You know, the one that says, “I’m totally not freaking out.”
So, I start taking orders. “Cappuccino? Sure! Latte? You got it!” But then, this dude walks in. He’s got a massive backpack, like he’s about to hike the Alps or something. He orders a double espresso, and I’m like, “Bro, you sure you can handle that?” He just stares at me, all serious. I pour it, and he downs it like it’s water. I’m shocked. Like, who does that?
Then, outta nowhere, the power goes out. I’m standing there, in the dark, with a bunch of confused customers. I’m like, “Great, just great.” I can’t even make a coffee! People start grumbling, and I’m trying to keep it light. “Hey, who wants a free air latte?” No one laughs. Tough crowd.
After a few minutes, the lights flicker back on. Thank you, sweet electricity! I jump back into action, but now everyone’s in a rush. It’s like they all suddenly remembered they have places to be. I’m pouring like a madman, and my hands are shaking. I spill some milk. Oops. It’s a mess, but I’m laughing it off. “Welcome to the Gavardo-Sopraponte coffee experience!”
Then, this lady comes in. She’s got a baby in one arm and a phone in the other. She orders a macchiato, and I’m like, “Lady, how are you even standing?” But I whip it up, and she’s all grateful. I feel like a hero for a sec. But then, she spills it all over the counter. I’m just standing there, mouth agape. “Really?!”
By now, it’s noon, and I’m running on fumes. I take a quick break outside on Via Sopraponte. The sun’s shining, and I see the mountains in the distance. It’s beautiful, ya know? But then, I hear this loud honking. It’s a car stuck in traffic. Classic Gavardo-Sopraponte. I can’t help but laugh.
Back inside, the rush is still on. I’m making drinks like a machine. I swear, I could’ve won a barista Olympics today. But then, my buddy Marco shows up. He’s got this huge grin, and I’m like, “What’s up?” He tells me he just got a new job at the bakery down the street. I’m stoked for him! “Dude, bring me some pastries!”
But then, the clock strikes three, and it’s like someone flipped a switch. The café empties out. Just me and the sound of the espresso machine. I take a deep breath. Finally, some peace. I start cleaning up, and I can’t help but think about how crazy today was.
As I’m wiping down the counter, I see a little kid outside, staring at the café. He’s got this big smile, and I’m like, “Man, I hope he grows up to love coffee.” It’s the little things, ya know?
So, I close up shop, and as I walk home down Via Roma, I can’t help but feel grateful. Gavardo-Sopraponte, with all its quirks and chaos, is my home. And even on the craziest days, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What a ride!