Man, what a day! I swear, being a raftsman in Neder-Hardinxveld is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I head down to the Havenweg. You know, the street that smells like fresh bread from the bakery? Yeah, that one. I’m cruising along, thinking about my coffee fix, when BAM! I trip over some random dude’s bike. Like, c’mon man, can’t you park it somewhere else? I’m not a bike obstacle course!
Anyway, I finally get my coffee from that little café on the corner of de Linge. Best coffee in town, no cap. I take a sip, and it’s like heaven in a cup. But then, I spill it all over my shirt. Great. Just great. Now I look like I’ve been attacked by a caffeinated octopus.
So, I’m trying to clean up, right? And I see this old lady, Mrs. Jansen, struggling with her groceries on the Hoofdstraat. I rush over, thinking I’m a hero or something. But she’s like, “I don’t need your help, young man!” I’m like, “Okay, chill, I’m just trying to be nice!” But she’s not having it. Classic Mrs. Jansen.
After that awkward encounter, I head to the water. The Waal is looking pretty chill today. I’m setting up my raft, and outta nowhere, this kid runs up to me. He’s like, “Mister, can I help?” I’m thinking, “Sure, kid, but don’t break anything!” He’s all excited, and I can’t help but smile. Kids have that energy, you know?
So, we’re out on the water, and it’s all good vibes. The sun’s shining, the ducks are quacking, and I’m feeling like a king. But then, the wind picks up. Like, seriously? I’m trying to steer this thing, and it’s like wrestling a giant fish. I’m yelling, “Hold on, kid!” while trying not to capsize.
And then, outta nowhere, this massive boat comes zooming by. I’m talking like Titanic-sized. The waves hit us, and we’re bouncing around like popcorn. I’m half-laughing, half-panicking. The kid’s screaming, “This is awesome!” while I’m just trying to keep us afloat.
Finally, we make it back to shore, soaked but alive. I’m like, “Dude, you’re a natural!” He’s grinning ear to ear, and I’m thinking, “Maybe I should start a rafting school or something.”
But wait, the day’s not over yet. I head back to the Havenweg, and guess what? There’s a street fair! Food stalls everywhere, music blasting. I’m like a kid in a candy store. I grab some poffertjes, and they’re so good I almost cry.
Then, I see my buddy, Jan, at the beer tent. He’s already three beers in and trying to convince me to join him. I’m like, “Dude, I just survived a mini tsunami!” But, you know, peer pressure is real. So, I grab a beer, and we’re laughing about the day’s chaos.
As the sun sets over Neder-Hardinxveld, I’m sitting there, feeling grateful. Sure, the day was wild, but that’s what makes it memorable, right? I mean, who needs a boring day when you can have a rollercoaster ride on the water?
So yeah, that was my day. Just another crazy adventure in this little town. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!