Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bartender in Melfi is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I stroll down Via Roma, and it’s packed. Like, seriously, who knew Melfi could be this lively? I mean, it’s a small town, but today? It’s like everyone decided to throw a party. I’m dodging tourists left and right. They’re snapping pics of the Castello di Melfi like it’s the Eiffel Tower or somethin’. I get it, it’s cool and all, but c’mon, people! Watch where you’re walkin’!
So, I finally get to the bar, La Dolce Vita. It’s my second home, ya know? I’m behind the counter, ready to mix some magic. First customer? This old dude, Giovanni. He’s a regular, always orders a Negroni. But today, he’s all fired up. “Did you hear about the new gelato place on Via Cavour?” he yells. I’m like, “Dude, chill. It’s just gelato.” But he’s ranting about how it’s gonna ruin the local spots. I mean, I get it, but c’mon, it’s gelato!
Then, outta nowhere, a group of college kids bursts in. They’re loud, obnoxious, and totally clueless. They order a round of shots. I’m thinkin’, “Great, just what I need.” I pour ‘em some limoncello, and they’re all like, “This is the best!” I’m like, “You’ve never had real limoncello, have ya?” But whatever, I’m not their mom.
Next thing I know, it’s happy hour, and the place is packed. I’m hustlin’ like a madman, pouring drinks, cracking jokes, and tryin’ to keep my sanity. I spill a bit of wine on the bar, and this lady, Maria, gives me the dirtiest look. I’m like, “Lady, it’s just a little wine. You’re in Melfi, not a museum!”
Then, the power goes out. Just like that. Boom! Darkness. I’m standin’ there, heart racing, thinkin’, “What the heck?!” The crowd goes wild. People are pullin’ out their phones, flashlights everywhere. It’s like a scene from a horror movie. I’m tryin’ to keep it cool, so I grab a bottle of grappa and start pourin’ shots in the dark. “Who wants to party?” I shout. Surprisingly, they all cheer.
Power comes back on, and the place erupts. I’m feelin’ like a rockstar. But then, I see a couple arguing in the corner. It’s awkward, man. They’re throwin’ insults like it’s a sport. I’m just tryin’ to serve drinks and not get involved. But then, the guy throws a napkin at the girl. I’m like, “Dude, really? Napkin fights? We’re not in kindergarten!”
Finally, the night winds down. I’m exhausted, but happy. I clean up the bar, and as I’m moppin’ the floor, I think about how crazy Melfi can be. The streets, the people, the history. It’s all a part of me now. I love this town, even when it drives me nuts.
As I lock up, I take a deep breath. The stars are out, and the air smells like pizza and adventure. Melfi, you wild little gem, you never cease to surprise me. Can’t wait for tomorrow. Who knows what’ll happen next?