Man, what a day! I swear, Gioia-Tauro is wild. Like, you think you know a place, then bam! It hits you with all this craziness. So, I’m a Torcador, right? Yeah, that’s a fancy word for someone who rolls cigars. But today? Today was anything but chill.
I woke up late, as usual. My alarm? Totally useless. I jumped outta bed, threw on my favorite shirt—y’know, the one with the faded logo of that old pizzeria on Via Roma. Best pizza ever, by the way. I mean, who doesn’t love a good slice? Anyway, I rushed outta my apartment on Via Nazionale, barely had time to grab a coffee. Big mistake.
So, I’m walking down the street, and it’s like the universe decided to mess with me. First, I step in a puddle. Ugh! My shoes are soaked. Then, I see this old guy on the corner of Via Garibaldi, selling fresh fruit. He’s got the best lemons, man. I’m talking about lemons that could make a grown man cry. I’m like, “Yo, give me a kilo!” But he’s all, “Only if you help me carry ‘em.” I’m like, “Dude, I’m not your personal assistant!” But I helped him anyway.
After that, I finally get to work. The shop’s buzzing. My buddy Marco is already there, rolling like a pro. He’s got this crazy technique, man. I swear he could roll a cigar with his eyes closed. I’m still trying to figure out how to not mess up the leaves. But today? Today was different.
Outta nowhere, this tourist walks in. He’s lost, looking for the beach. I’m like, “Bro, you’re in Gioia-Tauro! The beach is like five minutes away!” But he’s all confused, asking about the best spots. I’m trying to explain, but my Italian is slipping. I’m mixing up words, and he’s just staring at me like I’m speaking Martian.
Then, I get a call from my cousin. He’s in a jam. His car broke down on the way to the port. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in Gioia-Tauro! Just call a tow truck!” But no, he insists I come help. So, I’m juggling work, tourists, and family drama.
Finally, I take a break. I step outside for some fresh air. The sun’s shining, and I can see the Tyrrhenian Sea sparkling in the distance. It’s beautiful, man. But then, I hear this loud noise. A bunch of kids are playing soccer in the street, and one of ‘em kicks the ball right at me! I dodge it like a ninja, but I’m still fuming. “Watch where you kick that thing!” I yell. They just laugh. Kids, right?
Back inside, I’m trying to focus, but my mind’s racing. I’m thinking about the beach, the sun, and how I need a vacation. I mean, Gioia-Tauro is great, but sometimes you just wanna escape, y’know?
Then, the unexpected happens. A local artist walks in. She’s got this wild hair and paint all over her clothes. She starts talking about a mural she wants to paint on Via Roma. I’m intrigued. “What’s the theme?” I ask. She says it’s about the spirit of Gioia-Tauro. I’m like, “That’s deep.” We end up chatting for a while, and I’m feeling inspired.
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my cousin again. He’s still stuck! I’m like, “Dude, I can’t keep bailing you out!” But I can’t leave him hanging. So, I grab my stuff and head out.
On the way to the port, I pass by the old train station. It’s kinda run-down but has this charm. I remember all the times I took the train to Reggio Calabria. Good times. But today? Today is a mess.
I finally get to my cousin. His car is a disaster. I’m trying not to laugh, but it’s hard. “What did you do, man?” He shrugs. “Just my luck.” We finally get it sorted, and I’m exhausted.
By the time I get back to the shop, it’s late. I’m ready to crash. But then, Marco hands me a freshly rolled cigar. “You earned it, bro.” I light it up, and for a moment, everything feels right.
Gioia-Tauro, man. It’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s home. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even on the craziest days, it’s got my back.