Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a parachutist firefighter in Martina-Franca is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First call comes in around 9 AM. Some dude’s grillin’ on Via Cavour, and boom! Flames everywhere. I’m like, “Really, bro? It’s not even noon!” So, I gear up, hop in the truck, and we’re off. The streets are packed, as usual. I mean, who doesn’t love a good morning traffic jam on Via Mazzini? I’m sittin’ there, fuming, thinkin’ about how I could be sippin’ espresso instead of dodging scooters.
Finally, we get to the scene. Smoke’s billowing, and I’m like, “Alright, time to show off.” I strap on my parachute—yeah, I know, it’s wild. But trust me, it’s way cooler than just climbing ladders. I jump off the truck, and the crowd’s all like, “Whoa!” I feel like a superhero, but then I trip over a hose. Classic me, right?
So, I’m up in the air, and I see the whole city. Martina-Franca is beautiful from up here! The whitewashed buildings, the narrow streets, the piazzas. I can even see the Basilica di San Martino. But then, I spot the fire. It’s spreading! I’m like, “C’mon, man! Not today!” I swoop down, land like a pro (kinda), and start dousing the flames.
People are cheering, and I’m feelin’ like a rockstar. But then, this lady starts yelling at me. “You’re ruining my laundry!” I look over, and she’s got a whole line of clothes flapping in the wind. I’m like, “Lady, I’m saving your neighborhood!” But she’s not havin’ it. I mean, priorities, right?
After we put out the fire, I’m drenched in sweat and soot. I’m thinkin’ I deserve a gelato. So, I head over to my favorite spot on Piazza XX Settembre. I order a pistachio, and it’s like heaven in a cup. But then, I see a kid drop his ice cream. My heart breaks! I’m like, “Dude, I got you!” So, I buy him another one. His smile? Priceless.
But wait, there’s more! Just as I’m about to enjoy my gelato, another call comes in. A car crash on Via Roma. I’m like, “Seriously? Can’t a guy catch a break?” But duty calls, so I hop back in the truck.
When we get there, it’s chaos. Cars everywhere, people yelling. I’m trying to keep my cool, but inside, I’m like a pressure cooker. I jump out, and it’s all hands on deck. We’re helping people, checking for injuries, and I’m just praying no one’s seriously hurt.
Finally, we get everyone sorted. I’m exhausted, but I feel good. We saved lives today. I’m walking back to the truck, and I see the sunset over Martina-Franca. The colors are insane! I take a moment to breathe it all in.
Then, I get a text from my buddy. “Wanna grab a beer?” I’m like, “Heck yes!” So, I head to my favorite bar on Via Garibaldi. I sit down, and the bartender knows my order. “One beer, coming up!”
As I sip my drink, I can’t help but laugh. What a day! From fires to ice cream to car crashes. Martina-Franca, you never cease to amaze me. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Well, maybe for a day off. But that’s a different story!