Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I wake up in Rosto-de-Cao, 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 actuary, which means I deal with numbers all day. Boring, I know. But today? Today was a rollercoaster. I step outta my apartment on Rua da Alegria, and boom! A pigeon poops on my shoulder. Like, really? Thanks, nature. I’m already off to a great start.
I’m walking down Avenida da Liberdade, trying to shake off the bird bomb, when I bump into my buddy Miguel. He’s all hyped about this new café on Rua do Sol. “Dude, you gotta try their pastel de nata!” he says. I’m like, “Sure, why not?” I mean, who can resist a good pastry, right?
So we hit up the café, and OMG, the pastel is heavenly! I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I’m grinning like an idiot, and Miguel’s just laughing at me. But then, outta nowhere, the power goes out! Like, seriously? In the middle of my pastry bliss? I’m fuming. “What’s next? A meteor shower?”
We decide to leave, and as we step outside, it starts pouring. I mean, it’s like the sky opened up. I’m soaked in seconds. Rosto-de-Cao, you’re killing me! I’m dodging puddles on Rua da Esperança, and I swear, I almost slipped and fell. That would’ve been the cherry on top of this disaster cake.
Finally, we find shelter in this tiny bar on Rua do Mar. It’s packed, but we squeeze in. I order a beer, and Miguel gets a ginja. We’re chatting, laughing, and I’m starting to forget about the day’s chaos. Then, this guy at the bar starts singing fado. And let me tell you, he’s got pipes! I’m feeling all the feels.
But then, the bartender spills a drink all over my lap. I’m like, “C’mon, man! Is this a joke?” I’m trying to keep my cool, but inside, I’m raging. I mean, can’t a guy catch a break?
After a few more drinks, I’m feeling good again. We’re singing along to the fado, and I’m thinking, “Maybe today ain’t so bad after all.” Then, Miguel gets this wild idea. “Let’s go to the beach!” he says. It’s like 8 PM, but who cares? We’re young, right?
So we hop on a bus to Praia da Rocha. The wind’s in my hair, and I’m finally feeling free. We get there, and the beach is empty, just us and the sound of the waves. I’m standing there, soaking it all in, and I realize how lucky I am. Rosto-de-Cao, with all its quirks, is home.
We sit on the sand, talking about life, dreams, and all that deep stuff. I’m laughing, feeling alive. Then, outta nowhere, a group of people shows up with a bonfire. They invite us over, and we end up partying till dawn.
I’m dancing, laughing, and for a moment, I forget about the crazy day. Rosto-de-Cao, you’ve got my heart. Even with the pigeon poop, the rain, and the spilled drinks, I wouldn’t trade this day for anything.
As the sun rises, I’m sitting there, surrounded by new friends, and I think, “This is what life’s about.” Sure, it was a wild ride, but it was MY wild ride. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.