Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Ribnita is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a sunny morning, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I’m at the building on Strada 31 August. You know, the one with the weird graffiti? Yeah, that one. I’m just minding my own biz, when this lady rushes in. She’s got a baby in one arm and a bag of groceries in the other. I’m like, “Lady, you need a personal elevator!” But she’s all frantic, and I’m just tryin’ to keep it together.
So, I hit the button for the 5th floor. She’s like, “Hurry! I’m late for my appointment!” I’m thinkin’, “Lady, it’s just an elevator ride. Chill!” But I can’t say that, right? So, I’m just nodding, and the elevator starts moving.
Then, BAM! The lights flicker. I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” The elevator stops. Just stops. I’m sweating bullets. I can hear her baby crying, and I’m like, “Great, now I’m a babysitter too.” I’m pressing buttons like a madman, but nothing’s happening.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the lights come back on. We’re moving again! I’m relieved, but then I see the lady’s face. She’s about to lose it. I’m like, “Hey, we’re almost there!” But she’s not having it.
We finally reach the 5th floor, and she bolts outta there like a rocket. I’m just standing there, thinking, “Wow, that was intense.” But wait, it gets better.
Next up, I get this group of teenagers. They’re loud, obnoxious, and full of energy. They’re talking about the latest gossip from Strada Mihai Eminescu. Apparently, there’s a new café that just opened, and they’re all hyped about it. I’m like, “Dude, I just wanna get through this shift.” But they’re all over the place, laughing and joking.
One of them, this tall guy with crazy hair, starts doing impressions of the mayor. I can’t even! I’m trying not to laugh, but it’s hard. I mean, who knew Ribnita’s mayor could be so funny? They’re all cracking up, and I’m just there, stuck in my little box, wishing I could join the party.
Then, outta nowhere, the elevator stops again. I’m like, “Seriously?!” I’m about to lose my mind. I’m pressing buttons, but nothing. The teens are still laughing, and I’m just sweating. Finally, I manage to get it moving again, and they all cheer like I just won a medal or something.
After that, I’m thinking, “Okay, it can’t get worse.” But then, this old dude gets in. He’s got this huge bag, and I’m like, “What’s in there, a whole cow?” He’s mumbling about the best fishing spots near the Nistru River. I’m trying to be polite, but I’m also thinking, “Dude, I’m not a fishing guide.”
He starts telling me about his “biggest catch” and how he once caught a fish the size of a car. I’m like, “Yeah, right!” But he’s dead serious. I’m just nodding along, thinking, “Ribnita’s got some characters, man.”
Finally, my shift ends. I’m exhausted, but I can’t help but smile. Ribnita’s wild, man. From the crazy elevator rides to the stories of the locals, it’s never boring. I step outside, and the sun’s setting over the Nistru. It’s beautiful.
I think about all the people I met today. The frantic mom, the loud teens, the old fisherman. They all make this city what it is. Ribnita might be small, but it’s got heart. And I wouldn’t trade my job for anything. Well, maybe for a day off, but that’s a different story!