Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bartender in Az-Zawr is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I roll into work at this little joint on Al-Mahboula Street, right? The sun’s blazin’, and I’m already sweating like a sinner in church.
First customer walks in. This dude’s got a mustache that could house a family of squirrels. He orders a whiskey neat. I pour it, and he’s like, “Nah, make it a double.” I’m thinkin’, “Bro, it’s 10 AM!” But hey, who am I to judge? I pour him another shot, and he downs it like it’s water. I’m like, “Dude, pace yourself!” But he just grins and orders another.
Then, outta nowhere, this lady storms in. She’s fuming, like a kettle about to blow. Turns out, she just got into a fight with her boyfriend over by the Al-Fahaheel area. I mean, c’mon, who fights over where to eat? She orders a cocktail, and I whip up something fruity. She takes a sip and suddenly, she’s all smiles. It’s like magic! I’m thinkin’, “Maybe I should start a therapy service with drinks.”
But then, the mood shifts. A group of guys comes in, loud and rowdy. They’re celebrating something, but honestly, it sounds more like a herd of elephants. They start ordering shots, and I’m pouring like a madman. One of ‘em spills a drink all over the bar. I’m like, “Dude, this ain’t a slip-n-slide!” But they just laugh it off. I’m trying to keep my cool, but inside, I’m boiling.
And then, the power goes out. Just like that! The whole place goes dark. I’m standing there, holding a shaker, like, “What now?” People start freaking out. I’m like, “Chill, it’s just a blackout!” But you know how it is. Everyone’s panicking. I grab my phone, turn on the flashlight, and start making drinks by phone light. It’s like a scene from a horror movie, but with cocktails.
After a few minutes, the lights flicker back on. Thank goodness! But now, the crowd’s even rowdier. They’re singing some random song, and I’m just trying to keep up. I’m pouring drinks, laughing, and honestly, it’s kinda fun. I mean, who doesn’t love a good sing-along?
Then, this guy walks in. He’s got a huge smile and a bouquet of flowers. I’m like, “What’s this, a rom-com?” Turns out, he’s proposing to his girlfriend. He gets down on one knee right in front of the bar. Everyone’s cheering, and I’m just standing there, trying not to spill anything. She says yes, and the place erupts! I’m pouring champagne like it’s going outta style.
But then, just when I think it can’t get crazier, a cat strolls in. Yup, a cat! Just waltzes in like it owns the place. Everyone’s laughing, and I’m like, “Is this a bar or a petting zoo?” I’m trying to shoo it out, but it’s not budging. It just sits there, looking at me like, “What’s your problem, human?”
Finally, the night winds down. I’m exhausted, but it’s been a wild ride. I clean up the bar, and as I’m mopping the floor, I can’t help but smile. Az-Zawr, man. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, but it’s home. I love this city, even with all its quirks.
So, I lock up and head out. The streets are quiet now, and I take a deep breath. Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what’ll happen next? But for now, I’m just glad to be done. Cheers to another crazy day in Az-Zawr!