Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a butcher in Marco de Canavezes is like a rollercoaster ride, but today? Today was somethin’ else.
So, I roll into the shop on Rua da Liberdade, right? The sun’s barely up, and I’m already feelin’ the heat. I mean, it’s not just the weather; it’s the vibe. You know how it is. The locals are already buzzin’ around, grabbin’ their morning bica. I’m thinkin’, “Great, let’s get this day started.”
First customer walks in. Old man Silva. He’s a regular, always wants the best cut. But today, he’s cranky. Like, “Where’s my meat, boy?” I’m like, “Chill, Silva! I’m on it!” But he’s not havin’ it. I slice the meat, and he’s still grumblin’. I swear, if I had a euro for every time he complained, I’d be rich.
Then, boom! The door swings open. It’s Maria from down the street. She’s got this huge smile, and I’m thinkin’, “What’s her secret?” Turns out, she just won the local bingo night. Lucky gal! She’s all like, “You gotta celebrate with me!” I’m like, “Sure, but I’m not givin’ you free chorizo!”
After that, things get wild. I’m in the back, cuttin’ some pork, when I hear a commotion outside. I peek out, and there’s a bunch of kids from the escola on Rua da Escola, runnin’ around like they’re on fire. They’re chasin’ a dog, and I’m just laughin’. I mean, who doesn’t love a good dog chase? But then, the dog runs into my shop!
Chaos ensues. Meat everywhere! I’m tryin’ to catch this pup while also not cuttin’ my fingers off. It’s a mess, and I’m yellin’, “Get outta here, you furry tornado!” Finally, the kids come in, and they’re all giggly, helpin’ me wrangle the dog. I’m thinkin’, “This is not in my job description.”
After that, I need a breather. So, I step outside to the Praça da República. It’s a beautiful spot, man. The fountain’s flowin’, and the trees are swayin’. I take a deep breath, tryin’ to calm down. But then, I see my buddy João. He’s sittin’ there, drinkin’ a beer at 10 AM. Classic João. I join him for a quick chat. He’s talkin’ about the football match last night. “Did you see that goal?” he says. I’m like, “Dude, I was busy with meat!”
Back to the shop, and guess what? Silva’s back. He’s got a complaint about the cut I gave him. I’m like, “Seriously, man? You’re gonna come back for this?” But I just smile and say, “Let’s fix this.” I slice him a new piece, and he finally leaves happy.
But then, the day takes a turn. I get a call from my cousin. He’s in trouble. Some issue with his car on the A4. I’m like, “Dude, I’m a butcher, not a mechanic!” But family’s family, so I tell him I’ll help after work.
Finally, the day winds down. I’m exhausted, but I can’t help but smile. Marco de Canavezes is wild, man. The streets, the people, the chaos—it’s all part of the charm. I pack up, ready to head home, and I think about how tomorrow will probably be just as crazy.
As I walk down Rua da Liberdade, I can’t help but laugh. What a day! What a life!