Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a sharpener in Arcozelo is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blazin’ through my window on Rua da Liberdade. I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First stop, the market on Rua da Igreja. I’m just tryin’ to grab some fresh veggies, ya know? But then, bam! This old dude, probably 100 years old, starts yellin’ at me about how I’m not sharpening his knife right. I’m like, “Bro, it’s a knife, not a rocket science project!” He just glares at me. I mean, c’mon, it’s Arcozelo, not the moon!
Then, I head over to Avenida da República. I’m cruisin’ along, mindin’ my own business, when I see this cute little café. I’m thinkin’ coffee, right? But nooo, the barista spills a whole latte on my favorite shirt. I’m like, “Great, now I look like a walking coffee stain.” But hey, at least the coffee was good. I guess that’s a win?
After that, I’m back to work. I set up my little shop on Rua do Comércio. It’s a cozy spot, but man, the noise! Kids screamin’, cars honkin’, and this one guy with a guitar who thinks he’s the next big thing. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in Arcozelo, not Lisbon!” But whatever, I’m here to sharpen stuff, not critique music.
So, I’m sharpening this massive knife for a chef. He’s all serious, like he’s about to perform surgery or something. I’m just there, makin’ small talk, and he’s like, “This knife is my life.” I’m thinkin’, “Bro, it’s a knife, not your soulmate.” But hey, I get it. A sharp knife is a happy chef, right?
Then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. I mean, like, torrential downpour. I’m scrambling to cover my stuff. My sharpening tools are getting soaked! I’m cursing the weather, like, “Really, Arcozelo? You had to do me like this?” But then, I see this little kid jumpin’ in puddles, laughin’ his head off. And I’m like, “Okay, maybe it’s not all bad.” Kids have a way of makin’ ya smile, ya know?
Finally, the rain stops, and I’m feelin’ a bit better. I pack up my stuff and decide to take a stroll. I hit up the park near the river. It’s beautiful there, with all the trees and the sound of the water. I sit on a bench, just chillin’. I see couples, families, and even a dog chasing its tail. Life’s good, man.
But then, I get a text. My buddy’s in trouble. He’s stuck on Rua da Estação, and his car won’t start. I’m like, “Dude, why’d you even drive?” So, I rush over, and of course, it’s a mess. We’re there for an hour, trying to fix this clunker. I’m like, “This is why I sharpen knives, not cars!” But we finally get it going, and he’s all grateful. I’m just relieved to be done.
By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. I flop on my bed, and I’m thinkin’ about the day. It was wild, emotional, and full of surprises. Arcozelo, you crazy little town, you never fail to keep me on my toes. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, though. It’s home, and even with all the chaos, it’s where I belong.