Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a Watchman in Nonantola ain’t for the faint-hearted. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s barely up, and I’m already feelin’ the weight of the world. Nonantola, this little gem in Italy, is usually chill, but today? Nah, not today.
First off, I’m strollin’ down Via Roma, and I swear, I see this old dude, like, 80 years old, tryin’ to chase a pigeon. A pigeon! I’m thinkin’, “Bro, let it go!” But nah, he’s all in, flappin’ his arms like he’s in some weird bird dance. I laugh, but then I get mad. Why’s he out here at this hour? Shouldn’t he be sippin’ espresso at Bar Centrale instead?
Anyway, I keep walkin’, and I hit Piazza della Repubblica. It’s usually packed with folks, but today? Crickets. Just me and a couple of stray cats. I’m like, “Where’s everyone at?” Then I remember, it’s market day! The stalls are poppin’ off on Via Garibaldi. I rush over, and man, the smell of fresh bread hits me like a brick. I grab a focaccia, and it’s like heaven in my mouth. I’m munchin’ away, feelin’ like a king.
But then, outta nowhere, this kid on a bike zooms past me. He’s like, “Watch out, old man!” I’m not even old! I’m in my prime! I yell back, “I’ll show you old!” But he’s already gone, laughin’ like a maniac. Kids these days, right? No respect.
So, I’m tryin’ to shake off the anger when I hear this commotion near the church, San Bartolomeo. I rush over, and there’s a whole crowd. Turns out, some guy’s tryin’ to propose to his girl right in front of the church! He’s down on one knee, and she’s just standin’ there, lookin’ confused. I’m thinkin’, “Dude, pick a better spot!” But then she says yes, and the crowd goes wild. I’m clappin’ like a seal, feelin’ all warm and fuzzy inside. Love, man. It’s a trip.
But then, just as I’m feelin’ all mushy, I spot a group of teenagers spray-painting the wall near the old castle ruins. I’m like, “Oh no, not this again!” I march over, channeling my inner grumpy old man. “Hey! What do you think you’re doin’?” They look at me like I’m a ghost. One of ‘em says, “It’s art, man!” Art? More like vandalism! I’m about to lose it, but then I see one of ‘em painted a giant cat. And it’s kinda funny. I can’t help but laugh. “Alright, but keep it classy, kids!”
After that, I need a breather. I head to the park, Parco della Resistenza. It’s quiet, and I plop down on a bench. Just me, the trees, and my thoughts. I think about how Nonantola’s got this vibe, ya know? It’s small, but it’s got heart. The people, the food, the history. I love it here, even when it drives me nuts.
As the sun starts to set, I head back to my post. I’m walkin’ down Via Mazzini, and I see the lights flicker on. The whole place glows. It’s beautiful. I take a deep breath, and for a second, all the craziness fades away. I’m just a Watchman, keepin’ an eye on my little corner of the world.
But then, I hear a loud crash. I whip around, and it’s a car backfiring. My heart’s racing! I’m ready to spring into action, but it’s just some guy fixin’ his ride. I shake my head, chucklin’ to myself. “What a day, huh?”
So yeah, that was my day in Nonantola. Full of ups and downs, laughter and chaos. Just another day in the life of a Watchman. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!