Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still buzzing from it. So, I wake up in my tiny apartment in Gravellona-Toce, right? You know, that cute little town near Lago Maggiore. I’m a Russian Sign Language translator, but today? Today was a whole different ball game.
First off, I’m running late. Like, super late. I grab my coffee from Bar Centrale on Via Roma. Best coffee in town, no cap. I’m chugging it down like it’s water, and I spill some on my shirt. Great start, right? I’m like, “Awesome, now I look like a walking coffee stain.”
So, I rush to the community center on Via G. Marconi. I’m supposed to translate for this event about deaf culture. I get there, and it’s packed! I mean, people everywhere. I’m thinking, “Did I miss the memo? Is this a concert or what?” Turns out, it’s a big deal. They’ve got a panel of speakers, and I’m the only translator. No pressure, right?
I’m up there, signing my heart out. And then, bam! The fire alarm goes off. Like, seriously? In the middle of my translation? Everyone’s freaking out, and I’m just standing there, trying to keep it together. I’m like, “Guys, chill! It’s probably just a drill!” But nope, we all gotta evacuate.
So, we’re outside on Via C. Battisti, and I’m trying to calm everyone down. I’m signing, “It’s okay! It’s just a drill!” But people are looking at me like I’m speaking Martian. I’m getting frustrated. I mean, come on! I’m literally signing “drill” here!
Finally, we get the all-clear, and I’m back inside. I’m sweating bullets, but I power through. The crowd’s finally vibing, and I’m feeling it. I’m signing like a madman, and people are laughing. It’s a good feeling, you know?
After the event, I’m starving. I hit up this little pizzeria on Via C. Battisti. Best pizza ever! I order a margherita, and while I’m waiting, I overhear this couple arguing. Like, full-on shouting. I’m trying not to eavesdrop, but it’s hard not to. They’re going on about who left the lights on. I’m thinking, “Really? That’s what you’re fighting about?”
Then, outta nowhere, the guy storms out. I’m like, “Dude, chill! It’s just a light!” But hey, I guess we all have our moments, right?
I finally get my pizza, and it’s glorious. I’m sitting there, munching away, when I get a call. It’s my buddy from back home. He’s like, “Dude, you won’t believe what happened!” I’m thinking, “Bro, I just survived a fire alarm and a couple’s meltdown. Hit me with it!”
He tells me about this wild party they had. I’m laughing, but also kinda jealous. I mean, I love Gravellona-Toce, but sometimes I miss the chaos back home.
As the sun sets over Lago Maggiore, I’m walking back home, feeling all sorts of emotions. I’m happy, I’m tired, and I’m just... grateful. Gravellona-Toce may be small, but it’s got its charm. The streets, the people, the pizza—everything just clicks.
So yeah, that was my day. Intense, emotional, and totally unexpected. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!