Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. I’m a telephone operator, right? So, I’m used to the chaos, but today? Pffft, it was next level.
So, I roll into work at the IJmuiden call center, right? The sun’s shining, and I’m thinking, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Joke’s on me. First call? Some dude from the Havenstraat, totally freaking out. His cat’s stuck in a tree. Like, bro, it’s a cat, not a rocket scientist! I’m trying to keep it together, but I’m like, “Dude, just get a ladder!”
Then, I get another call. This lady from the Zeewijkstraat is yelling about her neighbor’s music. I mean, come on! It’s IJmuiden, not a library! I’m like, “Ma’am, it’s 3 PM, let the guy live!” But she’s not having it. I swear, I could hear the bass thumping through the phone.
And then, outta nowhere, my buddy Jeroen swings by. He works at the fish market, right? He’s got this huge grin, and I’m like, “What’s up?” He’s got fresh herring! I’m thinking, “Man, I need a break.” So, I sneak out for a sec, and we’re munching on herring by the canal. The smell? Ugh, it’s fishy, but whatever. It’s IJmuiden, baby!
Back to the grind. I’m answering calls like a madman. One guy from the IJmuiden Boulevard is complaining about the weather. Like, dude, it’s Holland! What do you expect? Sunshine and rainbows? I’m rolling my eyes, but I keep it professional. “Sir, it’s just a bit of rain.”
Then, I get this call from a tourist. They’re lost, somewhere near the Strandweg. I’m like, “You’re in IJmuiden, just follow the smell of fries!” But I can’t say that, right? So, I’m giving directions, and they’re like, “What’s a ‘frikandel’?” I’m dying inside.
And then, the craziest thing happens. My phone rings again. It’s a lady from the Kustweg, and she’s crying. I’m thinking, “Oh no, what now?” Turns out, her dog ran away. I’m like, “Okay, let’s find this pup!” I’m trying to calm her down, but I’m also panicking. I can’t lose a dog on my watch!
So, I rally the troops. I call my friends, post on social media, and we’re all out there searching. I’m running down the streets, yelling “Fido!” like a lunatic. I’m sweating, my heart’s racing, and I’m thinking, “This is not in my job description!”
Finally, we find the dog! It’s chilling by the IJmuiden harbor, sniffing around. I’m like, “You little rascal!” The lady is over the moon, and I’m feeling like a hero. I mean, who knew I’d be saving dogs today?
But then, just when I think it’s over, I get a call from my boss. “Hey, we need you to stay late.” I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” I just saved a dog! But no, I’m stuck there, answering calls about lost keys and broken bikes.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted. I’m walking home, and I can’t help but laugh. IJmuiden is wild, man. From cat rescues to lost tourists, it’s never a dull moment. I love this place, even when it drives me nuts.
So yeah, that was my day. Just another crazy, emotional rollercoaster in IJmuiden. Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!