Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I wake up in Caldelas, 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’m an estimator, which means I’m basically a number wizard. But today? Today was a circus. I head out to Rua da Liberdade, thinking I’ll grab a coffee at that little café, you know, the one with the weirdly good pastel de nata? Yeah, that one. But guess what? It’s closed! Like, what even? I’m standing there, staring at the locked door like it owes me money.
So, I’m like, “Fine, I’ll just hit up the bakery on Rua do Comércio.” I get there, and it’s packed! I mean, who knew Caldelas had a bakery fan club? I’m waiting in line, and this old dude in front of me is taking his sweet time. I’m about to lose it. I’m thinking, “C’mon, man, it’s just bread!” But then, he turns around and gives me this big smile. I can’t help but smile back. It’s like, how can you be mad at a guy who looks like he just won the lottery?
Finally, I get my coffee and pastry, and I’m feeling a bit better. I stroll down to the park by the river, you know, the one with the ducks? I sit on a bench, sipping my coffee, and just chill for a sec. But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by, chasing a soccer ball, and BAM! The ball hits my leg. I’m like, “Dude, watch it!” But the kid just laughs and runs off. I can’t help but chuckle. Kids, man. They’re wild.
After that, I head to a job site on Avenida da República. I’m there to estimate some renovations, and let me tell you, it’s a mess. I’m talking about walls that look like they’ve been through a war. I’m measuring and calculating, and then I step in a puddle. Great. Just great. My shoes are soaked. I’m standing there, trying to keep my cool, but inside I’m like, “Why me?!”
Then, I get a call from my boss. He’s like, “Hey, we need those estimates ASAP.” I’m thinking, “Dude, I’m knee-deep in chaos here!” But I just say, “Sure, I’ll get right on it.” I hang up and take a deep breath. I mean, it’s just a day, right?
But wait, it gets better. I’m walking back to my car, and I see this street performer on Rua da Alegria. He’s playing the accordion, and honestly, he’s terrible. But the crowd is loving it! I stop to watch, and suddenly, I’m laughing. I mean, who knew Caldelas had such talent? Or lack thereof?
By the time I get back to my car, I’m feeling a bit lighter. I crank up the music and drive through the streets, passing by the old church on Rua da Igreja. It’s beautiful, man. I think about how lucky I am to live in a place like this, even with all the craziness.
So, I get home, and I’m exhausted. I flop on the couch, and I’m like, “What a day!” I think about all the ups and downs. The coffee, the kid, the puddle, the accordion guy. It’s wild how one day can be a rollercoaster.
And you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Caldelas, with all its quirks and surprises, is my home. Even on the craziest days, it’s where I belong.