Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I wake up in my little workshop on Via Roma, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m a cooper, ya know? I make barrels. Yeah, barrels! Not the most glamorous gig, but hey, someone’s gotta do it. So, I’m just getting into the groove, hammering away, when my buddy Marco swings by. He’s all hyped up, talking about this wine festival happening down at the Piazza della Libertà. I’m like, “Dude, I got work!” But he’s relentless. “C’mon, just a quick drink!”
So, I’m thinking, “What’s the harm?” I lock up my workshop and head out. The streets of Sommacampagna are buzzing. I mean, it’s a small town, but today? It’s like a carnival! People everywhere, laughing, eating, drinking. I’m feeling the vibe, ya know?
We hit the festival, and it’s packed. I grab a glass of local wine—amazing stuff, by the way. I’m sipping, chatting, and then BAM! I spill it all over this lady’s dress. I’m mortified! She’s like, “What’s wrong with you?” I’m stammering, “I’m so sorry! I’m a cooper, not a waiter!” She just rolls her eyes and walks away. Great start, right?
Then, I see this old guy, Giovanni, who’s been making barrels longer than I’ve been alive. He’s telling stories about the good ol’ days. I’m hanging on every word. He’s got this twinkle in his eye, and I’m thinking, “Man, I wanna be like him.” But then, outta nowhere, he starts talking about how the new generation doesn’t appreciate the craft. Ouch! I mean, I get it, but c’mon, we’re trying!
After that, I’m feeling a bit down. I wander off to the edge of the piazza, where I spot this cute little café on Via Cavour. I grab a pastry—best cannoli ever! Seriously, I could’ve eaten a dozen. But then, I see a bunch of kids playing soccer in the street. They’re kicking the ball around, laughing, and I’m like, “Ah, to be young again.”
But then, one of the kids kicks the ball too hard, and it smashes into a window! Oh man, the look on that kid’s face! Pure horror. The owner of the shop, Signora Bianchi, comes storming out, waving her arms like a madwoman. I’m cracking up, but I feel bad for the kid. I mean, it’s just a window, right?
So, I decide to help the kid out. I go over, and I’m like, “Hey, don’t sweat it. I’ll talk to her.” I approach Signora Bianchi, and she’s fuming. I’m trying to smooth things over, but she’s not having it. I’m like, “C’mon, it’s just a window! You’ve got a whole shop full of goodies!”
Finally, she softens a bit, and we end up chatting about the best places to get gelato in Sommacampagna. Turns out, she’s a softie after all. We laugh, and I’m feeling good again.
But then, just when I think the day can’t get crazier, I hear this commotion. A parade? Yup! Out of nowhere, a bunch of folks dressed in traditional costumes come marching down the street. Drums pounding, people dancing. I’m like, “What is happening?” It’s a celebration of some local saint or something. I’m swept up in the energy, and before I know it, I’m dancing with strangers.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I stumble back to my workshop, and I can’t help but smile. Sommacampagna, man. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and it’s home. I might’ve spilled wine, faced a furious shopkeeper, and danced like a fool, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Tomorrow, I’ll get back to making barrels. But today? Today was a rollercoaster, and I loved every second of it.