Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a Watchman in Rieti ain’t for the faint-hearted. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blazin’ through my window on Via Roma. I’m like, “Great, another day of watchin’ people do their thing.” But today? Oh boy, today was a whole different ball game.
First off, I grab my coffee from that little café on Piazza San Rufo. You know the one? The barista, Marco, he’s always got a joke up his sleeve. Today, he says, “You look like you need a double shot of espresso and a miracle!” I laugh, but inside I’m like, “Dude, I just need to survive this shift.”
So, I head out, and it’s already chaos. I’m strollin’ down Corso Giuseppe Mazzini, and I see this old lady, Nonna Rosa, tryin’ to cross the street. Cars are zoomin’ by like they’re in a race or somethin’. I’m like, “Hey! Slow down, you maniacs!” But they don’t listen. Typical, right? I rush over to help her, and she’s like, “Thank you, young man! You’re my hero!” I’m blushing, but also thinkin’, “I’m just doin’ my job, lady!”
Then, I get to the old Roman theater. It’s a beautiful spot, but today? It’s packed with tourists. I mean, come on! Can’t a guy catch a break? They’re all takin’ selfies, and I’m just standin’ there, tryin’ to keep an eye on things. One dude drops his gelato right in front of me. I’m like, “Dude, that’s a crime against humanity!” But he just laughs and says, “At least it’s not my phone!”
I’m tryin’ to keep my cool, but then I hear this commotion down by the fountain on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. I rush over, and there’s a street performer, this guy with a guitar, belting out some tune. He’s got a crowd, and they’re all lovin’ it. I’m thinkin’, “Man, I wish I could just chill and enjoy this.” But nope, duty calls.
Suddenly, a kid runs past me, and I swear he’s got a balloon tied to his wrist. Next thing I know, the balloon pops! The kid starts cryin’, and I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” I rush over, kneel down, and say, “Hey buddy, wanna see a magic trick?” He stops cryin’ and looks at me like I’m a wizard or somethin’. I pull out a coin from my pocket and make it disappear. He’s amazed! I’m feelin’ like a rockstar for a sec, but then his mom shows up, and I’m back to bein’ the Watchman.
As the day goes on, I’m walkin’ through Via Cintia, and I spot a couple havin’ a heated argument. I mean, they’re practically shoutin’ at each other! I’m thinkin’, “C’mon, guys, save it for the privacy of your home!” But then, outta nowhere, the guy pulls out a ring and proposes! I’m like, “What the heck?!” The girl’s face goes from angry to shocked to happy in like two seconds flat. She says yes, and the whole street erupts in cheers. I’m just standin’ there, grinnin’ like an idiot.
But then, just when I think it can’t get crazier, I hear sirens. I look up, and there’s a parade comin’ down the street! I’m like, “Seriously? A parade? Right now?” It’s all colorful and loud, and I’m tryin’ to keep the peace while everyone’s dancin’ and celebratin’. I can’t help but join in a little. I mean, who doesn’t love a good parade, right?
Finally, as the sun starts settlin’ down behind the mountains, I’m back at my post. I’m exhausted but happy. Rieti’s got this vibe, ya know? It’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s full of surprises. I think about all the moments today—the laughter, the tears, the craziness. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, yeah, that was my day. Just another wild ride as the Watchman in Rieti. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!