Man, what a day! I woke up in Poggioreale, and let me tell ya, it was a rollercoaster. First off, I live on Via Roma, which is like the heart of this place. You step out, and boom! You’re hit with the smell of fresh pastries from the bakery down the street. I mean, who can resist a cornetto, right?
So, I grab my coffee, and I’m feeling all good. But then, I see this dude on the corner of Via Garibaldi. He’s yelling at a pigeon. Like, seriously? A pigeon? I’m thinking, “Bro, it’s just a bird!” But he’s all like, “You stole my sandwich!” I can’t even. I’m laughing so hard, I almost spill my coffee.
Then, I decide to stroll down to the market at Piazza del Carmine. It’s packed, as usual. Vendors shouting, people haggling. I love the chaos. But then, outta nowhere, this old lady bumps into me. She’s got a cart full of veggies, and I’m like, “Whoa, lady, watch it!” But she just gives me this look like I’m the one in the way. Classic Poggioreale, right?
I finally make it to the market, and I’m browsing through the stalls. The colors are insane! Bright tomatoes, fresh basil, and oh man, the cheese! I could live off that stuff. But then, I see this guy trying to sell me some weird-looking fruit. I’m like, “What is that? An alien egg?” He’s all proud, saying it’s a “cachi.” I’m like, “Dude, I’m not eating that.”
After the market, I head over to Via San Giovanni. There’s this little park where kids are playing. I sit on a bench, just chillin’. But then, this kid runs by, and his ball hits me right in the leg. I’m like, “Ouch!” The kid just laughs and runs off. I’m thinking, “Great, now I’m a target.”
But then, something cool happens. I meet this girl, Maria. She’s sitting next to me, and we start chatting. Turns out, she’s from the same neighborhood! We bond over our love for the local pizza joint on Via Vittorio Emanuele. I’m telling her how their margherita is life-changing. She agrees, and we’re both drooling just thinking about it.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. Like, seriously? I didn’t even bring an umbrella! So, we dash for cover under a nearby awning. We’re laughing, soaked, and I’m like, “This is the worst date ever!” But she’s cool about it. We end up talking for hours, just sharing stories about Poggioreale.
I tell her about the time I got lost in the old part of town. I ended up on Via dei Tribunali, and it felt like stepping back in time. The buildings are so old, and the vibe is just magical. But I got lost, and it took me forever to find my way back. I was so mad, but also kinda happy because I discovered this hidden gelato shop. Best gelato ever!
As the rain stops, we decide to grab that pizza. We head to the place on Via Vittorio Emanuele, and it’s packed. But we manage to snag a table. The pizza comes, and oh man, it’s glorious! We’re both devouring it, and I’m thinking, “This day went from weird to awesome.”
After pizza, we walk around, and I show her the old church on Via San Giuseppe. It’s beautiful, and I’m feeling all sentimental. I’m like, “This is Poggioreale, man. It’s got its quirks, but it’s home.”
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I mean, who knew a day that started with a pigeon fight could end with pizza and a new friend? Poggioreale, you crazy place, you never fail to surprise me!