Man, what a day! I swear, Tavagnacco really knows how to throw a curveball. So, I’m just chillin’ at my shoemaker shop on Via Roma, right? It’s a cozy little spot, but today? Ugh, it was like a circus in there.
First off, I wake up late. Alarm didn’t go off. Classic me. I rush outta bed, throw on my old apron, and head to the shop. I’m dodging pigeons on the way, those little guys are everywhere! Like, can’t a guy walk in peace?
I get to the shop, and guess what? My best customer, old Signora Maria, is already there. She’s waving her hands like she’s conducting an orchestra. “My shoes! My shoes!” she yells. I’m like, “Calm down, Maria! I’m on it!” But she’s not having it. She’s got this pair of ancient loafers that look like they’ve been through a war. I mean, I love the lady, but c’mon!
So, I start working on her shoes, and while I’m at it, I hear this loud crash outside. I peek out the window on Via Garibaldi, and there’s a guy on a bike, totally wiped out. I’m talking full-on cartoon style. He gets up, brushes himself off, and yells, “I’m okay!” Like, dude, you just ate pavement!
Anyway, I’m back to Maria’s shoes, and she’s telling me about her cat, Gino. Apparently, Gino has taken up knitting. I’m like, “A cat knitting? Really?” But she’s dead serious. I can’t even.
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Luca strolls in. He’s got this wild look in his eyes. “You won’t believe what I just saw!” he says. I’m thinking, “Oh boy, here we go.” Turns out, he saw a couple of tourists trying to find their way to the Castello di Villalta. They were lost, like, really lost. I mean, it’s not that hard to find! Just follow the signs, people!
So, I’m laughing, and then I get a call from my cousin. He’s in a panic. “I need shoes for the wedding!” he says. I’m like, “Dude, it’s tomorrow!” He’s freaking out, and I’m trying to calm him down. “Just come to Tavagnacco, I’ll hook you up!”
Finally, I finish Maria’s shoes, and she’s all smiles. “You’re a miracle worker!” she says. I’m blushing, but inside I’m like, “It’s just glue and some leather, lady!”
But then, just as I’m about to close up, this kid runs in. He’s got mud all over his sneakers. “Help! My mom’s gonna kill me!” he says. I can’t help but laugh. “What’d you do, roll in the mud?” He nods, and I’m like, “Well, let’s see what we can do.”
So, I’m scrubbing those sneakers like it’s a life-or-death situation. And while I’m at it, I’m thinking about how Tavagnacco is such a mix of chaos and charm. The streets, the people, the stories. It’s like every corner has a tale to tell.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I lock up the shop on Via Roma, take a deep breath, and look around. The sun’s setting over the hills, and it’s beautiful. I think about all the craziness, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Tavagnacco, you wild little town, you’ve got my heart. Even if you drive me nuts sometimes!