Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a potter in Pergine-Valsugana is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I head down Via Roma. Love that street, but today? Ugh. There’s this construction crew blocking the whole thing. Like, c’mon guys, can’t a potter get to work without dodging jackhammers? I’m all for progress, but seriously, I just wanna get to my studio.
Finally, I make it to my little corner on Via Garibaldi. My sanctuary. I walk in, and the smell of clay hits me. It’s like a warm hug. But then, I see it. My kiln. It’s acting up again. Great. Just what I need. I’m already stressed, and now I gotta play mechanic. I swear, that thing has a mind of its own.
So, I’m tinkering with it, and I’m getting mad. Like, really mad. I’m talking about throwing tools around. Not my proudest moment, but hey, it happens. I’m cursing in Italian, which sounds way cooler than in English, by the way. “Porca miseria!” I shout.
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Marco swings by. He’s got this huge grin, and I’m like, “Dude, what’s up?” He tells me about this festival happening later at the Castello di Pergine. I’m like, “What? Why didn’t I know about this?” Turns out, it’s a big deal. Food, music, the whole shebang.
Now I’m torn. Fix the kiln or go party? I mean, it’s a no-brainer, right? I can fix the kiln later. So, I throw on my best apron (it’s got clay stains, but whatever) and head out.
The streets are buzzing. Via dei Pini is packed with people. Kids are running around, and there’s this amazing smell of roasted chestnuts. I can’t resist. I grab a bag, and man, they’re so good! I’m munching away, feeling a bit better.
Then I hit the main square, Piazza della Libertà. It’s lit! There’s music blasting, and people are dancing. I join in, and for a moment, I forget about the kiln. Just me, the music, and the vibe. It’s like the whole city is alive.
But then, I see this guy. He’s got a booth selling pottery. I’m like, “Really, dude? You’re gonna set up shop here?” I mean, come on! I’m the potter in town! I’m feeling all competitive and stuff. But then I remember, we’re all in this together. So, I go over, and we start chatting. Turns out, he’s a cool guy. We bond over clay and techniques. Who knew?
As the night goes on, I’m feeling great. I even join a group doing traditional dances. I’m not the best dancer, but who cares? We’re all just having fun.
But then, I get a text. It’s from my studio. The kiln’s on fire. I’m like, “No way!” I bolt outta there, running through the streets of Pergine-Valsugana. I’m dodging people, tripping over cobblestones. It’s a scene straight outta a movie.
I finally get back, and thankfully, the kiln’s fine. Just a little too hot. Phew! I’m sweating, but I can’t help but laugh. What a day, right?
So, I sit down, exhausted but happy. I think about how crazy life is. One minute you’re fixing a kiln, the next you’re dancing in the streets. That’s Pergine-Valsugana for ya. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and it’s home.
And you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.