Man, what a day! I swear, Zafferana-Etnea is a wild ride. I’m a car instructor, right? So, I’m used to the chaos, but today? Phew! Buckle up, folks, this is gonna be a bumpy one.
So, I start my day on Via Roma. Beautiful street, right? Lined with those cute little shops. I grab a coffee from my fave spot, Bar Pasticceria. Best cannoli ever! I mean, who doesn’t love a good cannoli to kick off the day? But then, bam! My phone buzzes. A student cancels last minute. Ugh! I’m like, really? You couldn’t tell me this last night?
Anyway, I’m chillin’ at the piazza, soaking in the sun. Zafferana is so picturesque, with the Etna volcano looming in the background. It’s like, “Hey, I’m here, don’t forget me!” I love it, but it’s also kinda intimidating. Like, what if it erupts while I’m teaching? Talk about a dramatic exit!
So, I get a new student, right? This kid, Marco, shows up late. Typical! He rolls in, all flustered, and I’m like, “Dude, you know we’re on Italian time, not ‘whenever I feel like it’ time?” He just laughs it off. I mean, I get it, but c’mon!
We hit the road on Via Etnea. It’s a busy street, full of life. Cars everywhere, people walking, dogs barking. I’m trying to teach Marco how to parallel park, and he’s sweating bullets. I’m like, “Relax, man! It’s just a car, not a rocket ship!” But he’s gripping the wheel like it’s a lifeline.
Then, outta nowhere, this old lady crosses the street. I swear, she’s like a ninja! Marco slams the brakes, and I’m like, “Whoa! Chill, bro!” The lady just gives us this look, like we’re the ones in the wrong. I’m thinking, “Lady, you’re the one who’s playing Frogger here!”
After that, we head to Via delle Ginestre. It’s a quieter street, thank goodness. I’m trying to calm Marco down, and we start talking about the local food. I mention the arancini, and his eyes light up. “Dude, you gotta try them!” I’m like, “Yeah, but focus on the road!”
Finally, we get to the park near the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Provvidenza. Beautiful spot! I’m feeling good, thinking maybe today won’t be a total disaster. But then, Marco decides to take a shortcut. I’m like, “No, no, no! Not that way!” But he’s already turning down some narrow alley.
Next thing I know, we’re stuck! I mean, literally stuck. The car is wedged between two walls. I’m freaking out, and Marco’s just laughing. “This is an adventure!” he says. I’m like, “Adventure? More like a nightmare!”
We finally get out, and I’m sweating bullets. I’m thinking, “I’m gonna need a drink after this.” We head back to the main road, and I’m just relieved to be alive.
As we wrap up, I’m driving back to the school on Via Vittorio Emanuele. I’m exhausted but happy. Marco actually did pretty well, despite the chaos. I’m like, “You survived! Congrats!” He’s grinning ear to ear.
I drop him off, and I’m thinking, “What a day!” Zafferana-Etnea, you never cease to amaze me. I love this place, even with all the craziness. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!