Wow, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I wake up in Caldas-da-Rainha, 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 grab my coffee at this cute little café on Rua das Figueiras. I mean, the coffee there is like liquid gold. But guess what? They messed up my order! I asked for a cappuccino, and they gave me a black coffee. Ugh! I was ready to throw a fit, but I just smiled and said, “Thanks, I guess?” I mean, it’s not their fault I’m a caffeine addict.
Then, I had to rush to a meeting at the Centro Cultural e de Congressos. I’m a Russian Sign Language translator, so I’m always on the go. But today? Traffic was a nightmare! I’m stuck on Avenida 1º de Maio, and I’m like, “Come on, people! Move it!” I swear, I could’ve walked faster.
Finally, I get to the meeting, and it’s packed. Like, standing room only. I’m sweating bullets. I’m trying to sign for this group of deaf folks, and my brain’s all over the place. I’m mixing up signs, and I can see their confused faces. I’m like, “No, no, that’s not what I meant!” It was a mess, but we laughed it off. Thank goodness for humor, right?
After that chaos, I needed a breather. So, I strolled through Parque D. Carlos I. It’s beautiful there, with all the trees and flowers. I sat on a bench, just chillin’. But then, this kid runs by with an ice cream cone, and BAM! He drops it right in front of me. I’m like, “Dude, that’s tragic!” But then I see his face, and it’s pure heartbreak. I felt so bad! I wanted to buy him a new one, but I’m broke.
Next, I decided to hit up the Mercado Municipal. I love that place! Fresh produce, local goodies, and the vibe is just awesome. I’m browsing through the stalls, and I spot this amazing cheese. I’m a sucker for cheese. I ask the vendor for a sample, and he gives me this huge chunk. I’m like, “Whoa, buddy, I just wanted a taste!” But hey, I’m not complaining. I devoured it like it was my last meal.
Then, outta nowhere, I bump into an old friend from school. We start chatting, and it’s all good vibes until he mentions he’s moving to Lisbon. I’m like, “What? No way!” I mean, I get it, Lisbon’s cool and all, but Caldas-da-Rainha has its charm! The streets, the people, the vibe! I was low-key sad.
As the day winds down, I decide to grab dinner at a little spot on Rua da Liberdade. The food is bomb, but the service? Not so much. I waited forever! I’m sitting there, scrolling through my phone, and I’m like, “C’mon, I’m starving!” Finally, my food arrives, and it’s worth the wait. I mean, who doesn’t love a good bacalhau dish?
By the time I head home, I’m exhausted but happy. Caldas-da-Rainha, you crazy little town, you’ve got my heart. I mean, yeah, the day was wild, but that’s what makes it memorable, right? I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. Just hope it’s a bit less chaotic!