Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a huntsman, right? But today, I felt more like a circus performer in Santa-Iria-da-Azoia. You know, that little gem just outside Lisbon? Yeah, that place.
I woke up, sun shining through my window on Rua da Liberdade. Thought, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. First off, I hit the market on Avenida da República. You know, the one with all the fresh fish and veggies? I’m there, just minding my own business, when I spot this massive cod. I mean, it was like the size of a small dog! I’m thinking, “Dude, I gotta catch that!” But then, this old lady swoops in and grabs it. I’m like, “Seriously? You’re gonna take my fish?”
I was fuming. I mean, come on! But whatever, I let it go. I’m not about to start a fish fight in the middle of the market. So, I grab some veggies instead. Gotta keep it healthy, right?
Then, I head over to the park by the river. You know, Parque da Cidade? It’s beautiful there, man. I’m just chilling, enjoying the view of the Tagus. But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by with a soccer ball and BAM! Hits me right in the leg. I’m like, “What the heck, kid?” He just laughs and runs off. I mean, come on! I’m not a target practice!
But then, I see this group of people having a picnic. They’re laughing, sharing food, and I’m like, “Damn, that looks fun.” So, I wander over, and they invite me to join. Turns out, they’re from all over—Brazil, Angola, even a dude from the UK. We start chatting, and I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Like, this is what life’s about, right?
But then, just as I’m about to dig into this amazing homemade empanada, my phone buzzes. It’s my buddy Miguel. He’s in trouble. Apparently, he’s stuck on Rua da Estação, and his car won’t start. I’m like, “Dude, you gotta be kidding me!” So, I grab my stuff and head out.
I get to him, and his car is just sitting there, looking all sad and broken. I’m trying to help, but honestly, I know nothing about cars. I’m more of a “shoot first, ask questions later” kinda guy. So, we’re there, sweating, cursing at the car, and I’m just thinking, “This day can’t get any worse.”
But then, out of nowhere, this old man walks by. He’s got this huge smile and says, “Need a hand, boys?” I’m like, “Yes, please!” Turns out, he’s a retired mechanic. He pops the hood, does some magic, and boom! The car starts. I’m like, “What just happened?”
We thank the old dude, and I’m feeling all grateful and stuff. I mean, how often do you get saved by a random stranger? It’s like a movie moment or something.
Finally, I head back home, exhausted. I walk down Rua da Liberdade again, and I can’t help but smile. Santa-Iria-da-Azoia, man. It’s got its quirks, its craziness, but it’s home. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, but mostly just a reminder that life’s a wild ride. And who knows what tomorrow will bring?