Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I wake up in Condeixa-a-Nova, 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 a violin maker, yeah? So, I’m all about that wood, strings, and sweet sounds. I head down Rua da Liberdade, and I’m just vibin’. But then, BAM! I trip over a cobblestone. Like, who even put these here? I’m pretty sure they’re out to get me. I’m cursing under my breath, but whatever, I shake it off.
I get to my workshop on Rua da Igreja. It’s cozy, filled with the smell of varnish and wood shavings. I’m ready to work on this new violin. It’s gonna be a masterpiece, I swear. But then, my buddy Miguel shows up. He’s like, “Hey, wanna grab a coffee?” I’m like, “Dude, I’m in the zone!” But he’s persistent, so I give in.
We hit up this little café on Praça da República. Best coffee in town, no joke. I’m sipping my bica, and Miguel starts talking about the festival coming up. You know, the one with the music and food? I’m getting hyped, but then he mentions the competition. Ugh, the competition. It’s like a punch to the gut. I’m all about making art, not competing. But hey, I can’t let that slide.
After coffee, I’m back in the workshop, and I’m feeling it. I’m carving the wood, and it’s like magic. But then, I hear this loud crash outside. I rush to the window, and there’s this guy on a bike, totally wiped out. I’m like, “Dude, are you okay?” He’s fine, just a little bruised ego. But it’s a reminder that life’s unpredictable, ya know?
So, I get back to work, and I’m in my groove. I’m sanding, shaping, and suddenly, I realize I’m out of strings. Nooooo! I need those for the violin! I grab my bag and dash out, running down Rua do Comércio like I’m in a race.
I hit up the local music shop, and guess what? They’re out of stock! I’m fuming. I mean, come on! How can you run a music shop without strings? I’m about to lose it, but then the shopkeeper, old Mr. Silva, gives me a wink and says, “Try the market.”
The market! Of course! I sprint over to the Mercado Municipal. It’s bustling, full of life. I weave through the stalls, dodging old ladies and kids. Finally, I find a stall with strings. I’m like, “YES!” I grab a couple of packs and head back, feeling like a champ.
Back in the workshop, I’m finally ready to finish the violin. I’m stringing it up, and it’s looking gorgeous. I pluck the strings, and oh man, the sound! It’s like a dream. I’m grinning like an idiot.
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my mom. She’s like, “When are you coming for dinner?” I totally forgot! I’m supposed to be at her place in an hour. Panic mode activated! I rush to clean up, throw on some decent clothes, and dash out.
I’m running down Rua da Liberdade again, and I’m thinking, “Why do I always do this?” I get to my mom’s, and she’s there, arms crossed, tapping her foot. Classic mom move. But then she sees the violin, and her face lights up. “You made this?” she asks, and I’m like, “Yeah, just a little something.”
Dinner’s a blur. We’re eating bacalhau, and she’s asking about my life, my work, and I’m just trying to keep it together. I’m happy, but also exhausted.
Finally, I head home, and I’m reflecting on the day. Condeixa-a-Nova is wild, man. It’s got its ups and downs, but it’s home. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I flop onto my bed, and I’m just grateful. Grateful for the chaos, the music, and the people.
What a day, right? Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!