Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Heiloo is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety bar. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a typical Tuesday, or so I thought. I’m chillin’ at the lift in the big ol’ building on de Korteweg, just mindin’ my own business.
First ride of the day, this lady hops in. She’s all flustered, hair a mess, like she just ran a marathon. I’m like, “Yo, you good?” She’s like, “I’m late for a meeting!” I’m thinkin’, “Lady, it’s just an elevator, not a time machine.” But I hit the button for the second floor, and boom! We’re off.
Then, outta nowhere, the elevator stops. Just stops! I’m like, “Great, just great.” I can hear her breathing all heavy, and I’m tryin’ to keep it cool. I’m like, “Don’t worry, we’ll be outta here in a sec.” But inside, I’m panicking. I mean, what if I’m stuck here all day? What if I miss lunch?
Finally, I get it movin’ again. We hit the second floor, and she bolts outta there like a cat on a hot tin roof. I’m just standin’ there, thinkin’ about how I need a coffee.
Next up, this dude gets in. He’s got a bike helmet on, and I’m like, “Bro, you know this is an elevator, right?” He’s all serious, talkin’ about how he’s training for the Heiloo Marathon. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in an elevator, not a track.” But hey, whatever floats your boat, man.
So, I’m takin’ him to the third floor, and he starts tellin’ me about his route. He’s all about the N203 and how it’s the best for training. I’m just nodding, but inside I’m like, “I’d rather be on the couch with a pizza.”
Then, the elevator stops again! I’m like, “What is this, a joke?” I can hear the dude mumbling about his time slipping away. I’m like, “Chill, man! It’s just a few minutes.” But he’s all worked up. Finally, I get it movin’ again, and he bolts out, too.
Now, I’m thinkin’ I need a break. I step outside for some fresh air on de Korteweg. It’s a nice day, sun’s out, people are walkin’ their dogs. I see this cute little café, and I’m like, “Yes, coffee time!” I grab a cappuccino, and it’s like heaven in a cup.
But then, I hear this commotion. A bunch of kids are runnin’ around, and one of ‘em trips and falls right in front of me. I rush over, and I’m like, “Hey, you okay?” The kid’s all teary-eyed, but then he starts laughin’. I’m like, “What’s so funny?” He says, “I’m just practicing my fall for the marathon!” I can’t help but laugh. Kids are wild, man.
Back to work, and I’m feelin’ good. But then, I get this group of tourists. They’re lost, lookin’ for the Heiloo Museum. I’m like, “You guys are in the wrong building!” They’re all confused, and I’m tryin’ to explain, but they don’t speak Dutch. I’m like, “Ugh, why didn’t I take that language class?”
Finally, I get ‘em sorted out, and they head out. But not before one of ‘em drops a souvenir keychain. I pick it up, and it’s a little wooden shoe. I’m like, “What am I supposed to do with this?”
The day drags on, and I’m just about ready to call it quits. But then, this old man gets in. He’s got this huge smile, and he’s like, “Young man, you’re doin’ a great job!” I’m like, “Thanks, man! You just made my day.”
He tells me stories about Heiloo back in the day. How it used to be all fields and farms. I’m like, “Wow, that’s cool!” He’s got this twinkle in his eye, and I can’t help but feel inspired.
Finally, the clock hits five, and I’m outta there. I walk home, thinkin’ about all the craziness. Heiloo’s a wild place, man. Full of surprises. I love it, even when it drives me nuts.
So, yeah