Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a violin maker in Haarlem is a wild ride. So, I woke up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit the streets of Haarlem. I’m strutting down the Grote Markt, feelin’ like a boss. The St. Bavokerk is lookin’ majestic as ever. I mean, that church is like the queen of Haarlem, right? But then, BAM! I trip over some cobblestones. Classic me. I’m like, “Great start, genius.”
So, I finally make it to my workshop on the Klokhuisstraat. It’s a cozy little spot, filled with wood shavings and the smell of varnish. I love it. But today? Ugh. My tools are all over the place. I can’t find my favorite chisel. I swear, it’s like they have a secret life. I’m diggin’ through my stuff, cursing under my breath. “Where the heck are you, you little rascal?”
Then, I get a call from a client. He’s all like, “Hey, I need that violin by tomorrow!” I’m like, “Dude, chill. You think I’m a magician?” But I can’t say no. I mean, who doesn’t love a good challenge? So, I’m racing against time now.
I decide to take a break. I stroll down the Zijlstraat, grab a coffee at my fave spot, Café de Vijfhoek. Best cappuccino in town, no joke. I sit outside, soaking in the vibe. Haarlem is buzzing! Tourists everywhere, snapping pics of the Teylers Museum. I’m just sippin’ my coffee, and this kid walks by with a giant ice cream cone. I’m like, “Man, I need that in my life.”
But then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. Like, seriously? I’m caught off guard, and my coffee’s getting cold. I dash back to my workshop, dodging puddles like I’m in some kind of obstacle course. I’m soaked, but whatever. I’m in my zone now.
Back at the workshop, I finally find that chisel. It was hiding under a pile of wood shavings. Typical. I get to work, and let me tell ya, it’s like magic. The wood sings under my hands. I’m carving, shaping, and suddenly, I’m in the zone. Time flies.
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my buddy, Jan. He’s like, “Dude, you gotta come to the Haarlem Jazz & More festival tonight!” I’m like, “I can’t! I have a deadline!” But he’s persistent. “C’mon, man! Live a little!”
I’m torn. I mean, jazz in Haarlem? That’s a big deal. But I can’t let my client down. So, I finish the violin, and it’s beautiful. I’m proud. But then, I look at the clock. I have just enough time to swing by the festival.
I rush over to the Spaarne river. The vibe is electric! Music’s blasting, people are dancing. I’m like, “Why did I almost miss this?” I grab a beer, and the first band starts playing. It’s a local group, and they’re killing it! I’m swaying, feeling the rhythm.
But then, I spot my client in the crowd. Oh no. He’s looking for me! I’m like, “Crap, I can’t let him see me here!” So, I duck behind a food stall, trying to blend in. I’m stuffing my face with fries, and it’s glorious.
Finally, I see my chance. I sneak out and head home. I’m exhausted but happy. Haarlem’s streets are lit up, and I can’t help but smile. This city, man. It’s got a vibe like no other.
So, yeah, that was my day. A rollercoaster of emotions, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Haarlem, you crazy beautiful city, you’ve got my heart.