Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Mariglianella is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a sunny morning, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I’m at the building on Via Roma, and the first guy in is this old dude. He’s got a cane, right? And he’s like, “Hey, young fella, take me to the top!” I’m like, “Sure thing, grandpa!” But then, he starts tellin’ me about his glory days. I’m talkin’ about the 60s, when Mariglianella was all about the good vibes. He’s ramblin’ on about the old market on Piazza Municipio. I’m nodding, but inside I’m like, “Dude, I gotta work here!”
Then, boom! The elevator gets stuck. Just my luck, right? I’m sweating bullets, and the old guy’s like, “Don’t worry, sonny! I’ve been stuck in worse places!” I’m thinkin’, “Yeah, like the 60s!” Finally, I get it moving again, and he’s all smiles. I’m like, “Great, now I’m a hero.”
Next up, this lady comes in. She’s got bags from the market—like, a million of ‘em. I’m talkin’ about fresh tomatoes from Via San Rocco, and she’s like, “Be careful with my goods!” I’m like, “Lady, I’m not a tomato thief!” But she’s all serious, and I’m just tryin’ to keep it together.
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs in. He’s got a soccer ball, and he’s like, “Can I ride up?” I’m like, “Sure, but no kicking!” And guess what? He kicks it anyway! The ball hits the button, and we go down instead of up. I’m losing it! The mom’s outside, yelling, “What’s going on in there?” I’m like, “Just a typical day in Mariglianella!”
After that chaos, I finally get a break. I step outside to grab a coffee at my favorite spot on Via Nazionale. The barista knows me, and he’s like, “You look like you need a double shot!” I’m like, “You have no idea!” I take a sip, and it’s like heaven. But then, I see this guy on a bike, and he’s wobbling all over the place. I’m thinkin’, “Dude, you’re gonna crash!” And guess what? He does! Right into a fountain! Water everywhere! I’m laughing so hard, I almost spill my coffee.
Back to work, and it’s like a parade of weirdos. This one guy comes in, and he’s dressed like he’s from a fashion show. I’m like, “Bro, this is Mariglianella, not Milan!” He’s all about his “style,” and I’m just trying to keep a straight face.
Then, the day takes a turn. I get a call from my buddy, and he’s like, “You won’t believe what happened!” Apparently, there’s a festival in town, and I totally forgot! I’m like, “No way! The Sagra della Castagna?” He’s like, “Yeah, man! Get your butt over here!”
So, I wrap up my shift, and I’m outta there like a rocket. I race to the festival, and it’s packed! The smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air. I’m in heaven! I grab a plate, and I’m munching away, feeling like a king.
But then, I see the old dude from the morning! He’s dancing with some lady, and I’m like, “What?!” He’s livin’ his best life! I can’t help but smile.
As the sun sets over Mariglianella, I’m just standing there, soaking it all in. The laughter, the chaos, the surprises. This city, man, it’s got a heartbeat. And I’m just a small part of it, riding the elevator of life, one crazy day at a time.