Man, what a day! I woke up in Salvaterra-de-Magos, and I swear, I thought it was just gonna be another chill day. You know, grab a coffee at that little spot on Rua da Liberdade, maybe hit the market later. But nah, life had other plans.
So, I’m sippin’ my coffee, right? And suddenly, this pigeon decides my head is a landing strip. Like, seriously? I’m just tryna enjoy my morning! I swat it away, and it flies off like it’s got somewhere important to be. I mean, who knew pigeons had such attitude?
After that, I head down to Avenida da República. The sun’s shining, and I’m feeling good. But then, BAM! I step in a puddle. Not just any puddle, but the biggest, muddiest one ever. My shoes are ruined. I’m talkin’ about a full-on disaster. I’m hopping around like a madman, trying to shake it off. People are staring. Great, just great.
Then I decide to check out the market at Praça da República. I love that place! Fresh fruits, veggies, and all the local gossip. But guess what? It’s packed! I mean, who knew everyone in Salvaterra-de-Magos had the same idea? I’m elbowing my way through, trying to grab some oranges. And this old lady, bless her heart, she’s got a cart full of stuff and she’s just blocking the way. I’m like, “C’mon, lady! I just need some oranges!”
Finally, I get my oranges. But then, I see this street performer on Rua 1º de Maio. He’s playing the accordion, and honestly, he’s not half bad. I stop to listen, and suddenly, I’m transported. It’s like I’m in a movie or something. I even throw a couple of coins in his hat. He gives me a nod, and I feel like a hero for a sec.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts to rain. Like, really rain. I’m talking torrential downpour. I dash for cover under a café awning, and guess who’s there? The pigeon! It’s like it’s following me. I’m just trying to stay dry, and this bird is giving me the side-eye.
So, I’m stuck there, waiting for the rain to chill out. I pull out my phone, scrolling through social media, and I see a post about a festival happening later. I’m like, “Heck yeah! I’m in!” I mean, who doesn’t love a good festival?
Once the rain lets up, I make my way to the festival at the Parque da Cidade. It’s buzzing! Food stalls, music, people dancing. I grab a plate of bacalhau à brás, and it’s heavenly. I’m munching away, feeling like life’s good again.
But then, I see this guy trying to juggle fire. Fire! In a crowd! I’m like, “Dude, what are you doing?” And of course, he drops one of the torches. It lands right next to me, and I jump back like a cat. Everyone gasps, and I’m just standing there, heart racing.
After that, I need a drink. I find a stall selling ginjinha, and I’m like, “Yes, please!” I take a sip, and it’s sweet and tart, just like my day. I’m feeling good, laughing with strangers, and for a moment, all the craziness fades away.
As the sun sets, the lights come on, and Salvaterra-de-Magos looks magical. I’m walking back home, still buzzing from the festival. I think about the day—pigeons, puddles, and fire jugglers. It was wild, but it was my day.
I crash on my couch, exhausted but happy. Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what it’ll bring? But for now, I’m just grateful for the chaos of Salvaterra-de-Magos. What a ride!