Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bartender in Starogard-Gdański is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. One minute you’re chillin’, the next you’re dodging flying bottles. So, let’s rewind to this morning.
I woke up late, of course. My alarm? Yeah, it decided to take a day off. So, I’m sprinting down ul. Gdańska, hair a mess, coffee in one hand, and my other hand clutching my phone like it’s a lifeline. I swear, if I trip over a cobblestone, I’m done for.
Finally, I get to the bar, “Złoty Kogut.” It’s a cozy spot, right near the market square. The smell of fresh bread from the bakery next door is killer. I’m talkin’ about the kind of bread that makes you forget your problems. But no time for carbs, I gotta prep for the lunch crowd.
First customer? This old dude, Mr. Kowalski. He’s a regular, always orders a beer and tells the same stories. I love him, but c’mon, I’ve heard about his “glory days” on ul. Słowackiego a million times. But today, he’s extra chatty. He starts rambling about how he once saw a bear in the woods near the city. A bear! In Starogard? I’m like, “Dude, you sure it wasn’t just a big dog?”
Then, boom! The lunch rush hits. People flood in like it’s Black Friday. I’m pouring drinks, taking orders, and trying not to spill anything. It’s chaos! I’m sweating like a sinner in church. And then, outta nowhere, this group of young folks comes in, all hyped up. They’re celebrating something—maybe a birthday? They’re loud, obnoxious, and I love it.
One of them, a girl named Kasia, orders a cocktail. She wants something fruity, but I’m outta pineapple juice. So, I whip up a “Starogard Special” with whatever I can find. It’s a mix of vodka, some weird syrup, and a splash of soda. I call it “The Gdański Surprise.” She loves it! I’m a genius!
But then, the mood shifts. This guy walks in, looking all shady. He’s got a leather jacket and a scowl that could curdle milk. He sits at the bar, orders a whiskey, and just stares at everyone. I’m like, “Great, just what I need.” I keep an eye on him, thinking he’s gonna start trouble.
And then, it happens. Kasia and her crew are laughing, and the shady guy snaps. He yells something in Polish, and I can’t catch it all, but it’s not good. I’m ready to jump over the bar and throw him out. But before I can, Mr. Kowalski stands up. He’s like, “Hey, buddy, chill out!” I’m thinking, “Wow, Mr. K’s got some guts!”
The guy looks at Mr. Kowalski, and I swear, it’s like a standoff. But then, he just huffs and leaves. Phew! Crisis averted. I’m still shaking, though.
After that, the vibe is back to fun. I’m pouring shots, and we’re all laughing. I even join in on a toast. “To Starogard-Gdański!” I shout. Everyone cheers. It’s moments like this that make the craziness worth it.
As the night rolls in, I’m cleaning up. The streets outside are lit up, and I can hear the sounds of the city. The old buildings on ul. 1 Maja look beautiful under the streetlights. I love this place, even with its quirks.
Finally, I close up, exhausted but happy. I walk home, thinking about the day. Starogard-Gdański, you wild city, you’ve done it again. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!