Man, what a day! I swear, being an abrasive blaster in Charneca-de-Caparica is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I hit the road down Rua da Liberdade. You know, the one that’s always packed with cars? Yeah, that one. I’m stuck in traffic, and I’m just fuming. Like, c’mon people, it’s not that hard to drive! I’m blasting my tunes, trying to keep my cool, but then I see this dude on a scooter zooming past. I’m like, “Really? You think you’re cool?” I mean, I get it, scooters are fun, but c’mon, man, I’m just trying to get to work!
Finally, I make it to the job site near the beach. The smell of the ocean hits me, and I’m like, “Okay, maybe today won’t be so bad.” But then I see the equipment. Ugh! My abrasive blaster is acting up. It’s like it has a mind of its own. I’m wrestling with it, and it’s just not cooperating. I’m sweating like a pig, and I’m cursing under my breath. “Why today? Why now?”
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs up to me. He’s like, “Mister, can I help?” I’m thinking, “Help? You’re like, what, ten?” But he’s got this big smile, and I can’t help but chuckle. So, I let him hold the hose while I fix the blaster. He’s all excited, and I’m like, “Dude, you’re gonna regret this when you’re covered in dust!” But he’s loving it. Kids, man. They find joy in the weirdest things.
After a while, I finally get the blaster working. I’m feeling like a champ, ready to tackle the day. But then, bam! A seagull swoops down and poops right on my shoulder. I’m standing there, covered in bird crap, and I just lose it. “Are you kidding me?!” I’m yelling at the sky like it’s the seagull’s fault. The kid is cracking up, and I can’t help but laugh too. It’s just too ridiculous.
So, I clean up, and we get back to work. I’m blasting away at this old wall on Avenida da Praia, and it’s like magic. The dust is flying, and I’m in my zone. I love this part of the job. It’s satisfying, you know? But then, I notice a group of tourists taking pics. They’re all like, “Ooh, look at the cool guy blasting stuff!” I’m thinking, “Yeah, that’s me!” But then they start asking questions, and I’m like, “Dude, I’m not a tour guide!”
By the time lunch rolls around, I’m starving. I hit up this little café on Rua da Amizade. Best bifana in town, no joke. I’m chowing down, and this old guy next to me starts chatting. He’s telling me stories about Charneca-de-Caparica back in the day. I’m all ears. He talks about the beach parties and how the place has changed. It’s wild to hear. Makes me appreciate where I live, you know?
After lunch, I head back to the site, and it’s like the universe is testing me. The blaster starts acting up again. I’m ready to throw it in the ocean. But then, I remember the kid from earlier. I take a deep breath and fix it again. I’m like, “You got this, man.” And I do! I finish the job, and it looks amazing.
As the sun sets over the beach, I’m packing up. I feel this rush of happiness. I love this place. Charneca-de-Caparica is my home. The streets, the people, the chaos—it’s all part of the charm. I’m driving back, and I can’t help but smile. What a day, right? Full of ups and downs, but that’s life.
So, yeah, being an abrasive blaster is wild. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Charneca-de-Caparica, you’ve got my heart. Even if you do have a few pesky seagulls!