Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a raftsman in Rubiera is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blazin’ through my window on Via Roma. I’m like, “Great, another scorcher.” But hey, I’m used to it. Rubiera’s got that summer heat that just sticks to ya like glue.
First thing, I grab my coffee from that little café on Piazza Martiri. You know the one? The barista, Marco, he’s always got a joke. Today, he says, “You want your coffee strong enough to wake the dead?” I laugh, but I’m like, “Dude, I just need to wake up!”
So, I head down to the Po River. The water’s lookin’ kinda murky today. I’m thinkin’, “Great, just what I need.” But whatever, I’m a pro. I hop on my raft, ready to tackle the day.
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs up to me. He’s like, “Mister, mister! Can I ride with you?” I’m like, “Sure, kid. But hold on tight!” He’s bouncing around like a pinball. I’m tryin’ to keep the raft steady, but he’s all over the place. I’m thinkin’, “If I capsize, I’m gonna be the laughing stock of Rubiera!”
We’re cruisin’ down the river, and I’m feelin’ good. The breeze is nice, and I’m just chillin’. But then, BAM! A freakin’ boat zooms past us. Water splashes everywhere! I’m soaked, and the kid’s laughin’ his head off. I’m like, “Dude, this ain’t a water park!” But honestly, I can’t help but laugh too.
After that, we hit a snag. Literally. There’s this huge log in the water. I’m tryin’ to steer around it, but the raft’s not budgin’. I’m gettin’ frustrated. “C’mon, you piece of wood!” I’m yellin’. The kid’s like, “Are you talking to the log?” I’m like, “Yeah, it’s my only friend right now!”
Finally, I manage to get us free. We float down to the bridge on Via Emilia. It’s packed with people. I wave at some folks I know. They’re all like, “Hey, Raftsman! How’s the river?” I’m like, “Just another day in paradise!” But inside, I’m thinkin’, “More like a circus!”
Then, outta nowhere, I spot this old lady on the bank. She’s got a basket full of fresh produce. I’m talkin’ tomatoes, peppers, the works. I shout, “Hey, Nonna! Got any of that good stuff for me?” She just laughs and tosses me a tomato. I catch it like a pro! I’m feelin’ like a hero.
But then, I see a group of tourists. They’re takin’ selfies, and one of ‘em drops their phone in the river. I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” I paddle over, and the kid’s like, “Can we save it?” I’m like, “Dude, it’s a phone, not a puppy!” But I can’t help myself. I dive in.
The water’s cold, and I’m flailin’ around like a fish outta water. I finally grab the phone, and the tourists are goin’ wild. They’re clappin’ and shoutin’. I’m like, “Yeah, I’m a hero!” But inside, I’m thinkin’, “I’m gonna need a new shirt after this.”
After all that chaos, I finally drop the kid off. He’s all smiles, and I’m feelin’ like a million bucks. I head back to the dock, and the sun’s settin’ over Rubiera. The sky’s all orange and pink. It’s beautiful, man.
I sit on the dock, eatin’ that tomato Nonna gave me. It’s juicy and sweet. I’m thinkin’, “This is life.” Rubiera’s got its quirks, but it’s home. And even on the craziest days, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So yeah, that was my day. Just another wild ride in Rubiera. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!