Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an abrasive blaster in Gradisca-d-Isonzo 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 wasn’t. First off, I hit the road down Via Roma. Love that street, but today? Ugh. Traffic was a nightmare. I’m sittin’ there, just me and my coffee, and I’m thinkin’, “C’mon, people! It’s not rush hour!” But nooo, everyone’s gotta crawl like they’re in a parade or somethin’. I swear, I could’ve walked faster. Finally, I get to the job site near the old castle. You know, Castello di Gradisca? It’s a beauty, but I’m not here for sightseeing. I’m here to blast some concrete. But guess what? My compressor decides to throw a tantrum. Just my luck, right? I’m standing there, tools in hand, and it’s like the universe is laughing at me. “Ha! You thought today would be easy?” So, I’m sweating bullets, trying to fix this thing. I’m cursing under my breath, thinking about how I could be sipping a spritz at Bar Centrale instead. But no, I’m elbow-deep in grease. Finally, I get it working. Thank you, sweet baby Jesus! I start blasting away, and it’s like therapy. The sound, the pressure, it’s all so satisfying. But then, outta nowhere, this pigeon swoops down and lands right on my shoulder. I’m like, “Dude, what’s your deal?” I’m flailing my arms, trying to shoo it away, and it just looks at me like I’m the crazy one. I mean, c’mon! After that little fiasco, I take a break. I stroll down to Piazza della Libertà. Man, that place is always buzzing. Grabbed a slice of pizza from my fave spot, Pizzeria Da Marco. Best in town, no contest. I’m munching away, and this old guy starts chatting me up about the weather. I’m like, “Yeah, it’s sunny, but I’m sweating like a pig!” He laughs, and I’m thinking, “At least someone’s having a good day.” Then, I head back to work, and guess what? My buddy Luca shows up. He’s a fellow blaster, and he’s got this wild idea to prank our boss. So, we set up a fake “safety inspection” sign. We’re giggling like school kids, and when the boss rolls up, he’s all serious. “What’s this?” We can’t keep a straight face. He’s not amused, but hey, we had a blast—pun intended. As the day winds down, I’m packing up my gear, and I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic. Gradisca-d-Isonzo has this charm, ya know? The old buildings, the narrow streets like Via Garibaldi, and the way the sunset hits the Isonzo River. It’s beautiful. I mean, I’m covered in dust and grime, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. On my way home, I pass by the local gelato shop. Couldn’t resist. I grab a cone of pistachio—my weakness. As I’m walking, I trip over a cobblestone. Classic me, right? I spill gelato everywhere. I’m standing there, sticky and embarrassed, but I just laugh. “What a day!” So, I finally get home, exhausted but happy. I plop down on the couch, and I’m like, “Man, tomorrow better be less chaotic.” But deep down, I know I wouldn’t change a thing. Gradisca-d-Isonzo, you crazy little town, you keep me on my toes!