Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Mamer (lu) ain’t for the faint-hearted. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a sunny mornin’, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was anything but.
First off, I’m stationed at this fancy building on Rue de la Gare. You know, the one with the glass facade that reflects the whole street? Yeah, that one. So, I’m just mindin’ my own biz, when this lady rushes in. She’s got a coffee in one hand and a briefcase in the other. Classic Mamer hustle, am I right? She’s like, “Up to the 5th, quick!” I hit the button, and boom, we’re off. But then, the elevator stops. Just stops! I’m like, “Great, just great.”
I’m tryin’ to keep it cool, but inside, I’m freakin’ out. I mean, who wants to be stuck in a box with a caffeine-fueled businesswoman? She’s pacing, spillin’ coffee everywhere. I’m like, “Lady, chill! We’ll be outta here soon.” But she’s not havin’ it. She’s all, “I have a meeting!” I’m thinkin’, “Yeah, well, I have a life too!”
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the elevator jerks back to life. We shoot up to the 5th floor, and she bolts out like a rocket. I’m left there, heart racin’, thinkin’ about how I need a coffee too.
Next up, I get this group of tourists. They’re lost, of course. They’re like, “Where’s the Grand-Ducal Palace?” I’m like, “Dude, it’s a 15-minute walk from here!” But they insist on takin’ the elevator. So, I’m like, “Fine, let’s go.” I hit the button for the ground floor, and they start takin’ selfies. I mean, c’mon! We’re in an elevator, not a photo booth!
As we’re goin’ down, one of ‘em drops their phone. It bounces off my shoe and lands in the corner. I’m like, “Seriously?!” They’re all panickin’, and I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool. I’m like, “Relax, it’s just a phone.” But they’re actin’ like it’s the end of the world. I hand it back, and they’re all grateful, but I’m just thinkin’, “Next time, keep a better grip!”
Then, there’s this old dude who gets in. He’s got this wild white beard and a cane. He looks at me and says, “You know, back in my day, elevators were just a dream.” I’m like, “Yeah, and now they’re a nightmare!” But I just smile and nod. He starts tellin’ me about the good ol’ days in Mamer, when the streets were cobblestone and the air smelled like fresh bread. I’m like, “Sounds nice, but I kinda like my elevators.”
By the time lunch rolls around, I’m ready to crash. I head to this little café on Avenue de la Liberté. Best sandwiches in town, no joke. I grab a “Mamer Special” – it’s got everything: ham, cheese, pickles, the works. I’m sittin’ there, tryin’ to enjoy my meal, when I see this guy outside. He’s jugglin’ – like, seriously? In the middle of the street?
I can’t help but laugh. Mamer’s got its quirks, for sure. I finish my sandwich, and just as I’m about to head back, I hear this loud crash. I rush outside, and there’s a delivery truck that just backed into a lamppost. I’m like, “Dude, you had one job!” The driver’s all flustered, and I’m just standin’ there, shakin’ my head.
Back at the elevator, it’s non-stop chaos. People in and out, all day long. I’m startin’ to lose my mind. I mean, how many times can you hear “5th floor, please”? But then, this little kid gets in with his mom. He looks up at me and says, “You’re the best elevator man ever!” My heart melts. I’m like, “Thanks, buddy! You just made my day.”
As the sun sets over Mamer, I’m finally clockin’ out. I’m exhausted but happy. This city, man, it’s wild. From the busy streets of Rue de la Gare to the quiet corners of Avenue de la Libert