Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a radio operator in Volterra is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I grab my coffee at that little café on Via di Porta all'Arco. You know the one? The barista, Marco, he’s always got a joke up his sleeve. I’m like, “Hey, Marco, gimme the usual.” He winks and says, “You mean the ‘I need caffeine or I’ll bite someone’ special?” Classic Marco. I laugh, but inside, I’m like, “Dude, you have NO idea.”
So, I’m sippin’ my coffee, and I head to the radio station. It’s on Via San Giovanni, right near the old Etruscan walls. Those walls are ancient, man. Like, they’ve seen some stuff. I’m just a radio operator, but I feel like I’m part of history every time I walk by. Anyway, I get to the station, and it’s chaos. Absolute chaos.
My boss, Carla, is pacing like a caged lion. She’s all, “We’ve got a situation!” I’m thinkin’, “Great, what now?” Turns out, there’s a festival in town. The “Festa della Vendemmia” or whatever. Grapes, wine, the whole shebang. But the radio signal is all messed up. Like, I can’t even get a clear line to the next town over. Ugh!
I’m trying to fix it, right? And then, outta nowhere, I hear this loud commotion outside. I peek out the window on Via di Porta all'Arco, and there’s a parade! People in costumes, music blaring, and I’m like, “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?” I mean, I love a good parade, but c’mon! I’m stuck in here!
So, I’m juggling wires and trying to get the signal back. My phone buzzes. It’s my buddy Luca. He’s at the festival, sending me pics of all the food. I’m drooling over here, and I’m like, “Dude, save me a slice of that porchetta!” But he’s too busy living his best life. I’m stuck in radio hell.
Finally, I get the signal sorted. I’m feeling like a rockstar. But then, I hear a loud crash. I rush outside, and some guy just knocked over a whole stand of grapes! I’m talkin’ grapes everywhere! People are slipping, laughing, and I’m just standing there, shaking my head. “Only in Volterra,” I mutter.
Then, I see this little kid, maybe six or seven, covered in grape juice. He’s laughing like it’s the best day ever. I can’t help but smile. Kids have this magic, ya know? They find joy in the messiest situations. I wish I could be that carefree.
But then, I get a call on the radio. It’s an emergency! A tourist got lost in the old town. I’m like, “Seriously? It’s a small town!” But I grab my gear and head out. I’m running down Via di Porta all'Arco, dodging people, and I’m thinking, “This is NOT in my job description.”
I finally find the tourist. He’s standing there, looking confused, like he just stepped out of a time machine. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in Volterra! Just follow the walls!” He laughs, and I’m like, “No, seriously. They’re right there!” I guide him back, and he’s all grateful. I’m like, “Just don’t get lost again, okay?”
After that, I finally get to enjoy the festival. I grab some of that porchetta Luca was raving about. Oh man, it’s heavenly! I’m munching away, and I see Marco again. He’s like, “Told ya it’d be a wild day!” I just roll my eyes and laugh. He’s not wrong.
As the sun sets over Volterra, I’m standing there, full of food and stories. The streets are alive with laughter and music. I think about how crazy today was. But honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Volterra, with its history, its chaos, and its charm, is home. And I’m just a radio operator, but man, what a ride!