Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a raftsman in Villanova is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blazin’ through my window on Via Roma. I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I head down to the river. The Tevere, it’s beautiful, but today? Ugh. The water’s all murky. Like, come on, people! Can’t you keep it clean? I’m tryin’ to paddle, but I’m dodging trash like it’s a game of dodgeball. I swear, I saw a shoe floatin’ by. A whole shoe! Who loses a shoe in the river?
Anyway, I’m out there, mindin’ my own business, when I spot this family on the bank. They’re all excited, takin’ pics, and I’m like, “Hey, wanna ride?” They jump in, and I’m thinkin’, “This is gonna be fun!” But then, the kid starts screamin’ like a banshee. Turns out, he’s scared of water. Great. Just great. I’m tryin’ to calm him down, but he’s flailin’ like a fish outta water.
So, I’m paddlin’ like a madman, and we finally get to the bridge on Via Garibaldi. It’s a beautiful spot, but I’m too busy dealin’ with this kid. I’m like, “Dude, chill! It’s just water!” But he’s not havin’ it. I’m thinkin’, “Why did I even offer?”
Finally, we get back to shore, and the kid’s mom is all, “Thank you so much!” I’m like, “Yeah, no problem. Just another day in paradise.” But inside, I’m like, “I need a drink.”
So, I head over to this little café on Piazza della Libertà. Best espresso in town, no joke. I order one, and the barista, Marco, he’s like, “You look like you need it.” I’m like, “You have no idea.” We laugh, and I down that espresso like it’s water.
Then, I get a call from my buddy, Luca. He’s like, “Dude, you gotta come to the festival at Via della Repubblica!” I’m thinkin’, “Festival? I’m in!” So, I rush over, and it’s packed. Food stalls, music, people everywhere. I’m in heaven.
But then, I see this guy, right? He’s juggling fire. Fire! I’m like, “What are you, a circus act?” And he’s all serious, like, “It’s an art.” I’m just standin’ there, mouth agape, thinkin’, “This is Villanova, not Vegas!”
I grab some arancini, and they’re so good, I almost cry. But then, I spill some on my shirt. Classic me. I’m like, “Great, now I look like a mess.” But whatever, I’m livin’ my best life.
As the sun sets, the lights come on, and it’s magical. I’m sittin’ there, watchin’ the world go by, and I feel this wave of happiness. Villanova, man. It’s got this vibe.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts rainin’. Like, seriously? I’m soaked in seconds. Everyone’s runnin’ for cover, and I’m just standin’ there, laughin’. I mean, what else can you do?
So, I duck into this little shop on Via dei Fiori. It’s cozy, and the owner, an old lady, offers me a towel. I’m like, “You’re a lifesaver!” We chat, and she tells me stories about Villanova. I’m all ears.
Finally, the rain stops, and I head back to the river. The moon’s out, and it’s beautiful. I’m thinkin’, “This day was wild.” I’m exhausted but happy.
As I float back, I can’t help but smile. Villanova, you crazy place. You’ve got my heart. What a day!