Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a shoemaker in Serravalle-Scrivia ain’t for the faint-hearted. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was anything but.
First off, I head down Via Roma, my usual route to the shop. I’m cruisin’ along, mindin’ my own biz, when I spot this old dude, like, 80 if he’s a day, tryin’ to cross the street. He’s shufflin’ like he’s got all the time in the world. I’m like, “C’mon, man! You’re gonna get run over!” But nah, he takes his sweet time. I’m yellin’ “Attento!” but he just gives me this look like I’m the crazy one. Classic Serravalle, right?
Finally, I get to my shop on Via Garibaldi. It’s a cozy little place, filled with leather and the smell of glue. I love it. But today? Ugh. I open the door, and what do I see? A mountain of shoes! Like, seriously, who needs this many repairs? I’m talkin’ boots, sandals, sneakers—everything but the kitchen sink. I’m already feelin’ the stress.
So, I grab my tools and dive in. First pair? A kid’s sneaker. The kid must’ve played soccer in a swamp. I mean, c’mon! Mud everywhere! I’m scrubbing and cursing under my breath. “Why can’t kids just keep their shoes clean?” I mutter. But then I remember my own childhood. I was a little monster too.
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Marco pops in. He’s always got some wild story. Today, he’s ranting about the new mall they’re building near the outlet. “It’s gonna ruin the vibe, man!” he says. I’m like, “Dude, it’s Serravalle! We need more shops!” But he’s all about the old-school charm. I get it, but c’mon, a little modernization never hurt anyone, right?
After Marco leaves, I’m back to work. I’m fixin’ a pair of heels when I hear this loud crash outside. I rush to the window, and what do I see? A delivery truck has backed into a lamppost on Via della Libertà! I can’t help but laugh. The driver’s just sittin’ there, lookin’ like he’s seen a ghost. I mean, who doesn’t check their mirrors?
By now, I’m starving. I decide to take a break and hit up my favorite panini place, right around the corner on Via XX Settembre. I order my usual—prosciutto and mozzarella. Heaven! But while I’m munchin’, I overhear this couple arguing. They’re going at it about… shoes! Can you believe it? “You never listen to me!” “I told you I wanted red!” I’m sittin’ there, tryin’ not to laugh. Like, c’mon, it’s just shoes!
After lunch, I head back to the shop, and guess what? More shoes! I swear, it’s like they multiply when I’m not lookin’. I’m knee-deep in repairs when this lady walks in. She’s got this fancy bag, and I’m thinkin’, “Oh boy, here we go.” She wants her designer heels fixed. I take a look, and they’re practically falling apart. I’m like, “Lady, these are done for.” But she’s all, “No, no! You can fix them!” I’m thinkin’, “Sure, if you want me to work magic.”
Finally, the day winds down. I’m exhausted, but I can’t help but smile. Serravalle-Scrivia is wild, man. It’s got its quirks, its characters, and its chaos. I love it. I pack up my tools, lock the shop, and take a stroll down Via Roma again. The sun’s setting, and the city’s glowin’. I see that old dude again, still crossin’ the street. This time, I just shake my head and laugh.
What a day, huh? Just another crazy, beautiful day in Serravalle. Can’t wait to do it all over again tomorrow!