Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a shoemaker, right? Just your average guy in Bombarral, Portugal. You know, the place with the vineyards and the sweet, sweet wine? Yeah, that’s me.
So, I wake up, and it’s already a mess. My cat, Tico, decides to knock over my coffee cup. Great start, right? I’m like, “Tico, dude, what’s your problem?” But he just looks at me like, “Feed me, human.” Typical.
I head out to my shop on Rua da Liberdade. It’s a cozy little place, you know? I’ve got my tools, my leather, and a million pairs of shoes waiting for some love. But today? Today was different.
First customer walks in. This lady, all frantic, like she’s just run a marathon. She’s got this pair of heels, right? And they’re totally wrecked. I mean, I’ve seen better shoes in a dumpster. She’s like, “Can you fix these?” I’m thinking, “Lady, these are beyond saving.” But I smile and say, “Sure, I’ll work my magic.”
While I’m working on those heels, I hear this loud noise outside. I peek out the window on Rua da Estação, and there’s a parade! A freakin’ parade! In Bombarral! I’m like, “What the heck? Did I miss a memo?” Turns out, it’s some local festival. People are dancing, music blasting, and I’m stuck in my shop. Ugh!
So, I finish the heels, and the lady’s all happy. I’m like, “Great, now I can join the party!” But nooo, I’ve got more customers. A guy comes in with a pair of boots. They’re muddy, like he just walked through a swamp. I’m thinking, “Dude, what were you doing?” He shrugs and says, “Just a little hike.” A little hike? More like a mud wrestling match!
Finally, I get a break. I dash out to see the parade. It’s wild! People are throwing confetti everywhere. I’m dodging kids with balloons, and I’m like, “Watch it, kid!” I grab a glass of vinho verde from a stall. Best decision ever.
But then, bam! I step on something sticky. I look down, and it’s gum. Seriously? Who throws gum on the street? I’m fuming. I’m like, “Come on, Bombarral, get it together!”
After the parade, I head back to my shop. I’m feeling good, you know? But then, I see my buddy Miguel. He’s standing outside, looking all serious. I’m like, “What’s up, man?” He tells me he lost his job. My heart sinks. Miguel’s a good guy. I’m like, “Dude, we’ll figure it out.”
So, I invite him in. We start talking about life, dreams, and all that jazz. I’m trying to cheer him up, but then I get a call. It’s my mom. She’s like, “You forgot to pick up the bread!” I’m like, “Mom, I’m busy!” But she’s not having it. Classic mom move.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted. I close up shop and walk home. The streets of Bombarral are quiet now. I pass by the old church on Rua da Igreja. It’s beautiful, all lit up. I stop for a sec, take a breath, and think about the day.
Yeah, it was crazy. Ups and downs, but that’s life, right? I get home, Tico’s waiting, and I’m like, “You better not knock over my dinner!”
And that’s a wrap on my day in Bombarral. Full of surprises, laughter, and a bit of chaos. Just another day in the life of a shoemaker.