Man, what a day! I swear, Olival-Basto really knows how to throw a curveball. So, I’m out there, just a simple gardener, right? Just me, my spade, and a whole lotta plants. But today? Pffft, it was like a soap opera mixed with a circus.
First off, I’m chillin’ on Rua da Liberdade, just minding my own biz, planting some petunias. You know, the usual. Suddenly, this old lady, Mrs. Pereira, comes storming down the street like she’s on a mission from the gardening gods. She’s waving her arms like she’s trying to take off. I’m like, “What’s up, Mrs. P?” Turns out, her cat, Tico, decided to play hide and seek in my flower beds. I mean, come on! Tico, buddy, you’re a cat, not a bulldozer!
So, I’m trying to calm her down, but she’s all like, “My Tico! My precious Tico!” I’m thinking, “Lady, it’s just a cat!” But you know how it is. You can’t just say that. So, I’m digging through the marigolds, and there he is, all smug and fluffy. I pull him out, and he looks at me like, “What’s the big deal?” I hand him back, and Mrs. P is all teary-eyed. I’m like, “Great, now I’m a cat hero.”
Then, I head over to Avenida da Amizade. I’m thinking, “Let’s plant some daisies, make the world a prettier place.” But nooo, the universe had other plans. I’m halfway through digging when this dude on a bike zooms past me, nearly takes my head off! I’m like, “Yo, man! Ever heard of a bell?” He just shouts, “Sorry!” and keeps pedaling. I’m standing there, covered in dirt, thinking, “What’s next? A meteor shower?”
After that, I decide to take a breather at the little café on Praça da Liberdade. You know, the one with the best pastel de nata? I’m craving one, like, desperately. So, I order, and while I’m waiting, I overhear this couple arguing. They’re going at it like it’s the Olympics of relationship drama. I’m just trying to enjoy my pastry, but they’re like, “You never listen!” and “You always forget my birthday!” I’m thinking, “Dude, just get a calendar!”
Finally, I get my pastel, and it’s glorious. I take a bite, and it’s like heaven exploded in my mouth. But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by and knocks my coffee all over me! I’m like, “Seriously?!” I look down, and I’m a mess. Coffee stains everywhere. I’m just trying to enjoy my day, and now I look like a walking disaster.
So, I head back to work, feeling all grumpy. I’m on Rua do Sol, planting some sunflowers, trying to shake off the day. And then, I see it. A little girl, maybe six or seven, picking flowers. I’m like, “Hey, kiddo, those are for the bees!” But she looks up at me with these big eyes and says, “But they’re so pretty!” And I’m like, “Yeah, they are.”
In that moment, I remember why I love this job. It’s not just about the plants. It’s about the smiles, the little moments. I can’t stay mad. I start chatting with her, and she tells me about her dreams of being a gardener. I’m like, “You go, girl!”
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. Olival-Basto, you crazy little town, you’ve got my heart. From Mrs. P and Tico to the coffee disaster, it’s all part of the ride. I pack up my tools, look around, and think, “What a wild day.” Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!