Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I wake up in Mangualde, 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 anticorrosion agent. Sounds fancy, huh? But really, I just make sure metal doesn’t rust. Exciting stuff, I know. Anyway, I grab my coffee at this little spot on Rua da Liberdade. Best coffee in town, no cap. I’m sipping my bica, feeling like a boss, when I get a call. My boss is like, “Hey, we need you at the old factory on Rua da Estação.” Ugh, the old factory. It’s like a rust bucket waiting to collapse.
So, I hop on my bike, zooming through the streets. Mangualde is small, but it’s got charm. The cobblestones on Rua da Praça are a killer, though. I swear, I almost ate it like three times. But I’m a pro, right?
I get to the factory, and it’s worse than I thought. I mean, it’s like a horror movie in there. Rust everywhere! I’m talking about a full-on corrosion apocalypse. I’m trying to focus, but then I hear this loud crash. My heart drops. I run over, and it’s just some old metal falling. Phew! But then I see this dude, José, from the maintenance crew. He’s laughing like a maniac. I’m like, “Dude, this isn’t a joke!”
So, I’m working, right? And I’m sweating like a pig. I’m covered in this weird anti-rust goo. It’s not pretty. I’m thinking about how I should’ve worn my old clothes. But then, I get a whiff of something. It’s the lunch truck! They park on Rua da Igreja, and I can smell the bifanas from a mile away. My stomach’s growling like a beast.
I take a break, and I’m munching on this sandwich. Life is good again. But then, I see this kid, like, 10 years old, trying to sell flowers. He’s got this big smile, and I’m like, “Aww, that’s cute.” But then, he trips and spills all the flowers everywhere. My heart breaks a little. I help him pick them up, and he’s like, “Thanks, mister!” I’m like, “No prob, kid.”
Back to work. I’m trying to fix this rust issue, and I’m getting mad. Like, why can’t metal just behave? I’m talking to myself, “C’mon, metal! Don’t be a jerk!” I’m losing it. But then, I get a call from my buddy Miguel. He’s like, “Let’s hit the bar later!” I’m like, “Yes! I need a drink!”
Finally, I finish up at the factory. I’m exhausted, but I feel accomplished. I ride back through Mangualde, and the sunset is gorgeous. The sky’s all orange and pink over the Serra da Estrela. I stop for a sec, just to take it in.
I hit the bar on Rua do Comércio. It’s packed, and I’m ready to unwind. I order a beer, and Miguel shows up. We’re laughing, talking about the day. I tell him about the kid and the flowers, and he’s cracking up.
But then, outta nowhere, this guy spills his drink all over me. I’m like, “Are you serious, bro?” I’m soaked! But instead of getting mad, I just laugh. It’s been that kind of day.
So, we end the night with more drinks, and I’m feeling good. Mangualde, you crazy little town, you’ve got my heart. Even with the rust and the spills, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What a wild ride!