Man, what a day! I swear, Mondovi is a wild ride. I’m a mountain guide, right? But today, I found myself in the heart of this little gem of a city, and wow, it was a rollercoaster.
So, I roll into Mondovi, and the first thing that hits me? The view! Like, seriously, you can see the Alps in the distance. I’m talkin’ about the kind of view that makes you wanna drop everything and just stare. But nah, I had stuff to do.
I hit up Via Roma first. Classic street, ya know? Full of shops and cafes. I’m thinkin’ coffee, right? I walk into this tiny café, and the barista? Total legend. He’s got this mustache that could rival any mountain peak. I order a cappuccino, and he hands me this frothy masterpiece. I take a sip, and it’s like heaven in a cup. I’m feelin’ good, vibin’ with the locals.
But then, bam! My phone buzzes. It’s my buddy Marco. He’s like, “Dude, you gotta check out the funicular!” I’m like, “What’s a funicular?” Turns out, it’s this cool cable car thingy that takes you up to the old town. I’m intrigued.
So, I hustle over to the funicular station on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. The line is long, and I’m gettin’ impatient. I mean, c’mon, I’m not here to wait! But then, I see this old lady in front of me. She’s got this huge bag of bread. I’m talkin’ like enough bread to feed a small army. I can’t help but chuckle.
Finally, I get on the funicular, and it’s like a scene from a movie. The view just gets better and better. I’m up there, feelin’ like a king. But then, outta nowhere, the thing stops. Just stops! I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” I’m stuck, hangin’ in the air.
After what feels like forever, we start movin’ again. I get to the top, and it’s like stepping into a postcard. The old town is beautiful! Cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and this stunning cathedral. I’m takin’ pics like a tourist.
But then, I hear this commotion. A bunch of kids are runnin’ around, and one of ‘em trips and spills gelato everywhere. I’m laughin’ so hard, but then I see the kid’s face. He’s devastated! I mean, who wouldn’t be? Gelato is life! So, I buy him a new one. His smile? Priceless.
Then, I decide to explore. I wander down Via Cavour, and I stumble upon this little shop selling local cheese. I’m a sucker for cheese, so I go in. The owner is this quirky dude, all excited about his products. He’s like, “You gotta try this!” and hands me a piece of Toma cheese. I’m in heaven again.
But then, I get a bit lost. I’m wandering around, and I end up on Via San Francesco. It’s quiet, and I’m thinkin’ I might’ve taken a wrong turn. But then, I find this hidden piazza. It’s like a secret garden! I sit down, take a breath, and just soak it all in.
But wait, it gets crazier. I’m sittin’ there, and this guy comes up to me. He’s like, “You look lost, mate.” I’m like, “Yeah, kinda.” Turns out, he’s a local artist. We start chatting, and he invites me to his studio. I’m thinkin’, “Why not?”
His studio is wild! Paintings everywhere, and he’s got this crazy energy. He shows me his work, and I’m blown away. We end up talkin’ for hours about art, life, and the mountains. It’s one of those moments that just clicks, ya know?
As the sun sets, I’m walkin’ back to my car, and I can’t help but smile. Mondovi, man. It’s got this charm that just pulls you in. I’m feelin’ all the feels—happy, surprised, and a bit exhausted.
So yeah, that was my day in Mondovi. From coffee to funiculars, gelato spills to art chats, it was a whirlwind. I love my job, but days like this remind me why I love life too. Can’t wait to come back!