Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I wake up in Arruda-dos-Vinhos, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit up the local café on Rua da Liberdade. Best coffee ever! I mean, I’m not a coffee snob, but this stuff? Pure magic. I grab my bica, and boom! I spill it all over my shirt. Classic me, right? I’m standing there, looking like a total mess, and the barista just laughs. I mean, come on! I’m trying to be a Makhaut here, not a walking coffee stain!
So, I’m walking down Avenida da Liberdade, trying to shake off the coffee disaster. The streets are buzzing, people everywhere. I love this place! Arruda-dos-Vinhos is so alive. But then, outta nowhere, I see this old dude trying to cross the street. He’s like a tortoise on a mission. I’m thinking, “C’mon, man, you can do it!” But traffic’s wild, and I’m about to lose it. Finally, he makes it! I’m cheering for him like he just won the Olympics.
Then, I head over to the market on Rua da Estação. Fresh fruits, veggies, you name it. I’m all about that local produce. I grab some grapes, and this lady next to me starts chatting. She’s like, “Did you hear about the festival next week?” I’m like, “What festival?” Turns out, there’s this huge wine fest happening! I’m pumped! Wine, food, music—count me in!
But then, I get a text. My buddy’s like, “Dude, I need your help!” Ugh, can’t a Makhaut catch a break? So, I rush over to his place on Rua do Comércio. He’s got this crazy idea to build a wine rack. I’m thinking, “Bro, you can barely build a sandwich.” But whatever, I’m a good friend, right?
We’re in his garage, and it’s chaos. Tools everywhere, wood splinters flying. I’m trying to help, but I’m more of a “let’s drink wine” kinda guy, not a “let’s build stuff” guy. We end up with this lopsided rack that looks like it’s been through a tornado. I’m laughing so hard, I almost cry.
Finally, we finish, and I’m like, “Dude, let’s celebrate!” We grab a bottle from the rack (the one that survived the chaos) and head to the park on Rua da Paz. It’s beautiful there, man. Trees, flowers, and the vibe is just right. We pop the bottle, and I’m feeling good.
But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by with a soccer ball and kicks it right into our picnic. I’m like, “Seriously?!” The kid just shrugs and runs off. I’m half mad, half laughing. It’s just one of those days, ya know?
As the sun sets, I’m sitting there, sipping wine, and I realize how much I love this place. Arruda-dos-Vinhos is wild, unpredictable, and full of surprises. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So yeah, that was my day. Coffee spills, old dudes crossing streets, building disasters, and a surprise soccer ball. Just another day in the life of a Makhaut in Arruda-dos-Vinhos. Can’t wait for tomorrow!