Man, what a day! I swear, being a cashier in Tropea is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety bar. So, I roll into work at this little shop on Via Roma, right? The sun’s shining, the sea’s sparkling, and I’m thinking, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First customer walks in. This dude is all sunburnt and sweaty. Like, bro, did you forget sunscreen exists? He’s got this massive bag of lemons. I mean, who buys that many lemons? I’m like, “You makin’ lemonade or somethin’?” He just stares at me. Awkward. I ring him up, and he drops a 50. I’m like, “Dude, you got change for a hundred?” He just shakes his head. Ugh, people.
Then, outta nowhere, this lady storms in. She’s got a baby in one arm and a shopping list in the other. She’s yelling about how she needs “pasta, tomatoes, and the best olive oil.” I’m like, “Lady, you’re in the wrong place for gourmet.” But I help her anyway. I mean, it’s Tropea, we got the best stuff! I grab the olive oil from the shelf, and it’s like liquid gold. She’s all happy, and I’m thinking, “Great, one happy customer.”
But then, BAM! The power goes out. Just like that. I’m standing there in the dark, and I can hear the sea crashing outside. It’s kinda peaceful, but also, like, what the heck? I’m fumbling around for my phone to use as a flashlight. I’m trying to keep the vibe up, so I’m like, “Hey, everyone! Who wants to play charades?” No one laughs. Tough crowd.
After a few minutes, the lights flicker back on. Thank goodness! But now, the line is out the door. I’m sweating bullets. I’m ringing up customers like a madman. I swear, I’ve never seen so many tourists in Tropea. They’re all snapping pics of the view from the cliffs, and I’m just here trying to figure out how to scan a can of tomatoes without losing my mind.
Then, this guy comes in, right? He’s got a surfboard. A freakin’ surfboard! In the shop! I’m like, “Dude, you know this ain’t a beach rental, right?” He just laughs and says he’s gonna hit the waves at Capo Vaticano. I’m like, “Good luck, man! Hope you don’t wipe out!” He gives me a thumbs up and heads out. I’m still chuckling when the next customer walks in.
This sweet old lady comes in, and she’s got this huge smile. She’s asking about the best gelato spots. I’m like, “Lady, you’re in Tropea! Just follow your nose!” She tells me about her trip to the beach at Tropea’s Marina. I can see the sparkle in her eyes. It’s moments like these that make the chaos worth it.
But then, just when I think it can’t get crazier, a seagull flies in through the door! I’m not even kidding! It swoops down, grabs a bag of chips off the counter, and bolts. I’m standing there, mouth agape, while everyone’s laughing. I’m like, “Great, now we’re feeding the wildlife.”
Finally, the day winds down. I’m exhausted but happy. I step outside, and the sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea is unreal. The sky’s all pink and orange, and I’m just standing there, soaking it all in. Tropea, man. It’s wild, it’s beautiful, and it’s home.
I head back to my little apartment on Via Indipendenza, thinking about how tomorrow’s gonna be another adventure. Who knows what’ll happen? But I’m ready for it. Bring it on, Tropea!