Wow, what a day! Seriously, Piacenza, you’ve got me all kinds of twisted. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up Via Roma for some coffee. You know, the good stuff. I’m standing there, waiting for my cappuccino, and this dude in front of me orders, like, a 5-layered, whipped cream, unicorn frappuccino. I’m just like, “Bro, it’s 8 AM. Chill.” But whatever, I get my coffee, and it’s perfect. Like, I could marry this cappuccino.
Then I decide to stroll down to Piazza Cavalli. Man, that place is a vibe! The statues of the two horsemen are just staring at me like, “What’s up, human?” I’m like, “Not much, just trying to figure out life.” I sit on a bench, sipping my coffee, and suddenly, this group of students rolls by. They’re all hyped, talking about their plans for the day. I can’t help but smile. It’s like, I’m here to help these kids find their paths, and they’re just living it up.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. Like, seriously? I’m in Piacenza, and it’s supposed to be sunny! I dash for cover under the awning of a shop on Via XX Settembre. I’m standing there, soaked, and I see this old lady trying to cross the street. She’s got her umbrella, but it’s one of those tiny ones that barely covers her. I’m like, “Lady, you’re gonna get drenched!” But she just laughs and keeps going. I admire her spirit, honestly.
After the rain, I’m feeling a bit adventurous. I head over to the Duomo. That place is stunning! The architecture is insane. I’m standing there, just taking it all in, when I hear this loud commotion. Turns out, there’s a street performer doing some wild juggling act. He’s got fire, and I’m like, “Dude, you’re gonna set the Duomo on fire!” But he’s nailing it, and the crowd is loving it. I’m clapping, laughing, and feeling all the good vibes.
Then, I decide to grab some lunch. I hit up this little trattoria on Via San Giovanni. The pasta? To die for! I mean, I could eat that every day. I’m sitting there, enjoying my meal, when I overhear this couple arguing. Like, come on, guys, not in public! But it’s kinda funny, too. They’re throwing around words like “divorce” and “separation.” I’m just trying to enjoy my gnocchi, and they’re over there having a soap opera moment.
After lunch, I’m feeling a bit heavy, you know? So I wander over to the Parco della Galleana. It’s beautiful there! I see families, kids playing, dogs running around. I sit on a bench, and this little kid comes up to me, all curious. He’s like, “Why are you sad?” I’m not sad, kid! Just deep in thought. But I smile and say, “I’m just thinking about how awesome Piacenza is.” He grins and runs off. Kids are the best.
As the day winds down, I’m walking back through the streets, and I can’t help but feel grateful. Piacenza, with all its quirks and surprises, has a way of making you feel alive. I’m exhausted, but in a good way. I think about all the students I work with, and how they’re figuring out their paths, just like I am.
So yeah, Piacenza, you threw me some curveballs today. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here’s to more crazy days in this beautiful city!