Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a barber in Benfica is like riding a rollercoaster. So, I roll into the shop on Rua de São Domingos de Benfica, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First client walks in. This dude, I swear, he’s got hair like a lion. I’m talkin’ full-on mane. He sits down, and I’m like, “Bro, what’s the plan?” He goes, “Just a trim.” A trim? More like a jungle safari! I’m snippin’ away, and suddenly, the door swings open. It’s my buddy Miguel, all outta breath. He’s like, “Dude, you won’t believe it! The Benfica game is on!”
I’m like, “What?!” I totally forgot! Benfica’s playin’ today! I’m tryin’ to focus on this guy’s hair, but my mind’s racing. I’m thinkin’ about the Estádio da Luz, the crowd, the energy. I can almost hear the chants. “Ser Benfiquista é um orgulho!”
So, I finish up with Mr. Lion Hair, and he looks in the mirror. He’s like, “Wow, I look fresh!” I’m like, “Yeah, bro, you’re ready to hit the streets of Benfica!” He leaves, and I’m buzzin’ with excitement.
Next up is this old man, Senhor Oliveira. He’s a regular, always comes in for his weekly shave. He starts tellin’ me about the good ol’ days, when Benfica was winning everything. I’m nodding, but inside, I’m like, “C’mon, man, I gotta catch the game!” But he’s got stories, ya know? Like how he watched Eusébio play back in the day. I can’t help but smile.
Then, outta nowhere, my phone buzzes. It’s a message from my cousin. “Benfica scored!” I almost drop the razor. I’m like, “Senhor Oliveira, hold on a sec!” I check the score, and it’s 1-0! I’m pumped!
Finally, I finish with the old man, and he’s happy as a clam. I rush to the back, grab a quick bite, and turn on the TV. The shop’s empty now, and I’m glued to the screen. The energy in the air is electric. I’m shouting at the TV like I’m on the pitch myself. “C’mon, Benfica! Let’s go!”
But then, disaster strikes. The other team scores. I’m fuming! I’m pacing around the shop, cursing under my breath. “How could they let that happen?!” I’m practically pulling my hair out.
After a few minutes of agony, I hear a knock. It’s my buddy Miguel again. He’s like, “Dude, chill! It’s only a game!” I’m like, “Only a game? This is Benfica!” We both laugh, but I’m still on edge.
The game goes on, and it’s a nail-biter. I’m sweating bullets. Finally, in the last minute, Benfica scores again! I jump up, spill my drink everywhere. “YES! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” I’m high-fiving Miguel like we just won the Champions League.
After the game, I’m buzzing. I close up the shop, and we hit the streets of Benfica. The vibe is wild! People are celebrating everywhere. I see folks on Avenida Magalhães, waving flags, singing songs. It’s like a festival!
I grab a bifana from a street vendor. Best decision ever. The flavors explode in my mouth. I’m walking, eating, and soaking it all in. Benfica is alive!
As I head home, I can’t help but think about the day. From the crazy haircuts to the game, it was a rollercoaster. I love this city. I love being a barber here. Benfica, you’ve got my heart!
What a day, man. What a day.