OMG, what a day! So, I’m a babysitter, right? And today was just... wow. I mean, I thought I was ready for anything, but this city, São João da Madeira, threw me some serious curveballs.
First off, I got to the family’s place on Rua da Liberdade. Super chill street, but today? Nah, not so much. The kids were already bouncing off the walls. I mean, like, literally. I walk in, and they’re playing tag, and I’m like, “Guys, chill!” But they just laugh and run past me. Ugh, kids, am I right?
So, we decide to go out. I thought, “Let’s hit Parque do Rio Ul, it’s nice and big.” But as we’re walking, I see this ice cream truck on Rua 1º de Maio. I’m like, “Yesss, ice cream!” But the kids? They’re like, “Can we get some?” And I’m like, “Sure, but only if you promise not to run away!”
We get our ice cream, and I swear, the little one, Miguel, drops his cone. I’m talking full-on meltdown. He’s crying, and I’m like, “Dude, it’s just ice cream!” But to him, it’s the end of the world. So, I’m trying to calm him down, and I’m like, “Look, we can go back and get another one!”
But then, outta nowhere, this dog runs up to us. A big fluffy thing, and it’s all over Miguel. He stops crying, and I’m like, “Great, now we have a new friend.” But then the dog starts licking my face! Like, seriously? I’m not a dog person! I’m trying to push it away, and the kids are laughing.
After that chaos, we head to the Praça da Cidade. It’s usually so peaceful, but today? Nope. There’s a street performer doing some crazy juggling act. I’m like, “Wow, that’s cool!” But then, he drops a flaming baton. I’m like, “Dude, safety first!” But the kids are clapping and cheering. I’m just standing there, half impressed, half terrified.
Then, we decide to grab some snacks at a little café on Rua da Alegria. I order a pastel de nata, and it’s like heaven in my mouth. But the kids? They want fries. So, I’m like, “Fine, but you gotta share!” And of course, they don’t. They’re fighting over the last fry, and I’m just sitting there, shaking my head.
By now, I’m exhausted. We head back, and I’m thinking, “Finally, some peace.” But no! The kids wanna play hide and seek in the house. I’m like, “Guys, I need a break!” But they’re relentless. So, I hide in the closet, thinking I’ll get a minute of peace. But they find me in like two seconds. I’m like, “How do you even know I’m here?”
Finally, it’s time for their parents to come home. I’m sitting on the couch, and I’m like, “Phew, what a day!” But then, the kids start telling their parents all the wild stuff we did. I’m sitting there, half proud, half mortified. Like, “Did I really let them run wild like that?”
As the parents walk in, I’m just thinking, “I need a drink.” But then, they thank me and say the kids had a blast. And I’m like, “Yeah, it was fun... kinda.”
So, I pack up my stuff, and as I’m leaving, I walk down Rua da Liberdade again. The sun’s setting, and it’s beautiful. I think about how crazy today was, and I can’t help but smile. São João da Madeira, you’re a wild ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
What a day, right? I’m ready for bed!