Man, what a day! I swear, Scandiano really knows how to throw a curveball. 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’m strolling down Via Roma, just vibin’. I’m thinking about my students, ya know? Gotta help them find their paths. But then, BAM! A pigeon poops on my shoulder. Like, seriously? Who invited you to the party, Mr. Pigeon? I’m standing there, trying to wipe it off, and this old lady walks by, chuckling. Thanks, lady. Real supportive.
Anyway, I finally shake it off and head to the piazza. The Piazza della Libertà is buzzing. Kids are laughing, couples are holding hands, and I’m just trying to find my zen. I grab a coffee from this cute little café on the corner. The barista, Marco, is a legend. He knows my order by heart. I’m like, “Just a cappuccino, please.” And he’s like, “Extra foam for the foam king!” Love that guy.
So, I’m sipping my coffee, feeling good, when I see a group of my students. They’re all huddled together, looking stressed. I’m like, “What’s up, fam?” Turns out, they’re freaking out about their future. College apps, job stuff, you name it. I’m like, “Chill, you got this!” But inside, I’m like, “Oh man, I remember that stress.”
Then, outta nowhere, this kid, Luca, starts crying. I mean, full-on sobbing. I’m like, “Dude, it’s not the end of the world!” But he’s convinced he’s gonna end up living in his mom’s basement forever. I’m trying to be all motivational, but I’m also thinking, “Man, I hope I don’t end up in my mom’s basement either.”
After a while, I manage to calm them down. We start talking about their dreams, and it’s actually kinda inspiring. I’m like, “You wanna be a chef? Go for it! You wanna travel the world? Do it!” And they’re nodding, feeling pumped. I’m feeling pumped!
But then, just as I’m about to give my best motivational speech, I hear this loud crash. I turn around, and some dude on a bike just wiped out on Via Fratelli Cervi. Like, he’s sprawled out on the ground, and I’m like, “Oh man, that’s gotta hurt.” But he pops up, laughing it off. I’m like, “Dude, you’re a legend!”
So, the day’s getting better, right? Wrong! I decide to take a walk down to the Castello di Scandiano. It’s this beautiful castle, and I’m thinking, “This’ll be a nice break.” But as I’m walking, I get caught in this random downpour. I’m soaked! I mean, I look like a drowned rat.
Finally, I get to the castle, and it’s closed. Of course! Just my luck. I’m standing there, dripping wet, and I can’t help but laugh. Like, “Really, universe? You think this is funny?”
But then, I see a group of tourists taking selfies. They’re all smiling, and I’m like, “You know what? I’m gonna join in.” So, I jump in their pic, soaking wet, and they love it! We’re all laughing, and I’m like, “This is the best worst day ever!”
As the sun starts to set, I head back to the piazza. The vibe is totally different now. People are out, music’s playing, and I’m feeling grateful. I see my students again, and they’re all smiles. They’re talking about their dreams again, and I’m just soaking it all in.
So, yeah, Scandiano, you crazy little town. You made me laugh, you made me cry, and you definitely made me rethink my life choices. But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here’s to more wild days in this beautiful mess!