Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a stove-maker in Praia-a-Mare is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I hit up Via Roma for my morning espresso. You know, the good stuff. I’m standin’ there, waitin’ for my caffeine fix, and this dude in front of me orders, like, a ten-layered cappuccino or somethin’. I’m like, “Bro, it’s 8 AM, not a coffee art gallery!” Finally, I get my shot of espresso, and it’s like liquid gold. I’m feelin’ pumped!
Then I head to my workshop on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. It’s a cozy little spot, filled with wood shavings and the smell of fresh paint. I’m workin’ on this custom stove for a family in Scalea. They want it to look like a vintage Ferrari. I mean, c’mon! A stove that looks like a car? I’m all for creativity, but that’s a stretch, right?
So, I’m hammerin’ away, and suddenly, my buddy Marco bursts in. He’s all outta breath, like he just ran a marathon. “Dude, you won’t believe it!” he yells. Turns out, there’s a festival in town. The Festa di San Biagio! I’m like, “What? When?!” He says it’s today, and I’m thinkin’, “Great, just what I need—distractions!”
But then, I remember the food. Oh man, the food! Arancini, fresh seafood, and those sweet pastries from the bakery on Via Nazionale. My stomach’s growlin’ like a bear. So, I decide to take a break. I lock up the workshop and head out.
The streets are packed! People everywhere, music blaring, and the smell of fried dough in the air. I’m walkin’ down Via Roma again, and I see this street performer. He’s juggling fire! Like, seriously? Who thought that was a good idea? I’m half impressed, half terrified. I mean, one wrong move and he’s toast.
I grab a plate of arancini from a vendor. Best decision ever! I’m munchin’ away, and life is good. But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs into me, and my arancini goes flying! I’m like, “Nooooo!” It lands right in front of a group of tourists. They’re laughin’ like it’s the best show ever. I’m fuming, but I can’t help but chuckle a bit. Kids, man.
After that, I decide to check out the beach. The sun’s setting, and it’s beautiful. The waves are crashing, and I’m thinkin’ how lucky I am to live here. Praia-a-Mare is stunning! The cliffs, the sea, the vibe. But then, I see a couple of guys trying to surf. They’re floppin’ around like fish outta water. I can’t help but laugh.
But then, I get a call. It’s the family with the Ferrari stove. They want it ready by tomorrow! I’m like, “Are you kidding me?!” I’m stressed, but I can’t show it. I just say, “Sure, no problem!” while my brain’s screaming, “What have you done?!”
So, I rush back to the workshop. I’m workin’ like a madman, hammering, painting, and cursing under my breath. I’m covered in paint, sweat, and a bit of arancini. It’s a mess! But I’m determined. I can’t let them down.
Finally, around midnight, I finish. It’s not a Ferrari, but it’s a beauty! I’m exhausted but happy. I step outside, and the stars are shining bright over Praia-a-Mare. I take a deep breath, and for a moment, everything feels right.
What a day, huh? From coffee chaos to festival fun, and a mad dash to finish a stove. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Well, maybe a lifetime supply of arancini. But that’s it!