Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a shoemaker, right? Just your average guy in Ourem, Portugal, slinging shoes and fixing soles. But today? Today was a whole different ball game.
I woke up late. Like, really late. My alarm? Totally ignored it. I jumped outta bed, threw on my old jeans, and raced out the door. I mean, who needs breakfast when you’ve got a shop to run on Rua da Liberdade? Not me, apparently.
So, I’m hustling down the street, dodging tourists and their cameras. Ourem’s got this vibe, ya know? The castle up on the hill, the cobblestone streets, and all those cute little cafes. But today? It was packed! I swear, I almost tripped over a kid trying to get a selfie with the castle in the background. Like, chill, kid! It’s just a building!
Finally, I get to my shop, and guess what? My buddy Miguel is already there, messing with my tools. I’m like, “Dude, what are you doing?” He just grins and says he’s “helping.” Yeah, right. More like making a mess. I can’t even find my hammer!
Then, outta nowhere, this lady storms in. She’s got these fancy shoes, all sparkly and stuff. She’s like, “I need these fixed NOW!” I’m thinking, lady, it’s a Tuesday, not a shoe emergency day. But I take a look, and they’re a total wreck. I mean, I could’ve sworn they were made from recycled pizza boxes.
While I’m working on those, I hear this commotion outside. I peek out, and there’s a parade! A freakin’ parade! In Ourem! I’m like, “What the heck?!” Turns out, it’s some local festival. People are dancing, music blasting, and I’m stuck in my shop. Ugh! I wanna join!
But no, I gotta finish these shoes. So, I’m hammering away, and I accidentally hit my thumb. Ouch! I let out a yelp that probably scared half the town. Miguel just laughs. “You okay, buddy?” Yeah, just peachy!
Finally, I finish the lady’s shoes. She’s all smiles, and I’m like, “Great, now I can go see the parade!” But she pulls out a credit card. I’m like, “Cash only, lady!” She rolls her eyes, but whatever. I’m not changing my rules for anyone.
After she leaves, I bolt outta the shop. The parade is still going strong! I’m weaving through the crowd on Rua da Liberdade, trying to catch a glimpse. There’s this guy juggling flaming torches. I’m thinking, “Dude, you’re gonna set your hair on fire!” But he’s loving it, and the crowd’s going wild.
Then, I spot this food stall. Oh man, they’re selling chouriço! I can’t resist. I grab a plate, and it’s like heaven in my mouth. I’m munching away, feeling all happy and stuff. But then, I see a kid drop his ice cream. My heart breaks for him. I mean, who doesn’t love ice cream?
As I’m standing there, I get this idea. I rush back to my shop, grab some old leather scraps, and whip up a little something. I run back to the kid and hand him a pair of tiny leather shoes I made. His eyes light up! Best moment ever!
But then, just as I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy, I hear a loud crash. I turn around, and it’s a guy on a bike, totally wiping out. He’s okay, but his bike? Not so much. I can’t help but laugh. Ourem, man. It’s a wild place.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I head home, thinking about all the craziness. Ourem’s got its quirks, but it’s my home. And even on the craziest days, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So yeah, that was my day. Just another Tuesday in Ourem, full of surprises, laughter, and a bit of chaos. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!