Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a telephone operator in Locorotondo is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I’m on my way to work, and I stroll down Via Roma. It’s this cute lil’ street, all cobblestones and whitewashed buildings. I’m vibin’, but then BAM! A pigeon poops on my shoulder. Like, seriously? Thanks, nature. I’m already late, and now I’m a walking target for bird droppings. Great start, huh?
I finally get to the office, and it’s chaos. Phones ringing off the hook. I mean, c’mon! It’s Locorotondo, not New York City! People are calling about everything. “Where’s the best gelato?” “What time does the market open?” “Help! My cat is stuck in a trullo!” Like, dude, I’m not a cat rescue service! But I try to help, ya know?
So, I’m on the phone with this lady, right? She’s all frantic about her cat, and I’m like, “Ma’am, just call the vet!” But she’s not having it. She’s yelling about how her cat, Pino, is the love of her life. I get it, but c’mon! I’m not a cat therapist!
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Marco swings by. He’s got this huge grin, and I’m like, “What’s up?” He tells me about this festival happening later. I’m like, “Dude, I’m stuck here!” But he’s all, “C’mon, it’ll be fun!” So, I’m torn. Work or party?
After a few more calls, I finally get a break. I dash outta the office and head to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. It’s this beautiful square, and there’s a band playing. I’m feeling the vibe, ya know? I grab a gelato (finally!) from this little shop on Via Cisternino. Best pistachio ever!
But then, I see this guy, Antonio, trying to impress some girl. He’s juggling oranges. Like, who juggles in the middle of a piazza? It’s hilarious! But then, he drops one, and it rolls right into a fountain. The girl laughs, and he’s all embarrassed. I’m dying over here!
So, I’m chillin’, enjoying my gelato, when I get a call from work. Ugh! They need me back. I’m like, “Seriously?!” But I can’t leave them hanging. So, I rush back, dodging tourists and locals.
Back at the office, it’s even crazier. People are calling about the festival. “What’s the schedule?” “Where’s the best food?” I’m like, “Dude, I just got back!” But I help ‘em out. I mean, Locorotondo is known for its food, especially the bomb local wines.
Finally, the day winds down. I’m exhausted but happy. I head back to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele for the festival. The lights are twinkling, and the music is pumping. I grab a glass of wine and just soak it all in.
I see Marco again, and we laugh about the day. “You survived!” he says. I’m like, “Barely!” But honestly, Locorotondo is magic. The streets, the people, the food—it’s all a wild ride.
As I head home, I think about how crazy today was. From pigeon poop to juggling oranges, it’s all part of the charm. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Locorotondo, you’ve got my heart!