Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bartender in Trofa is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I roll into work at this cozy little spot on Rua da Estação, right? It’s a chill place, but today? Today was a whole different vibe. First off, the sun was blazin’. Like, seriously, I thought I was gonna melt into a puddle on the floor. I’m behind the bar, pouring drinks, and this dude walks in. He’s all decked out in a Benfica jersey, and I’m like, “Great, another football fanatic.” But then he orders a gin and tonic. A G&T? In Trofa? I mean, c’mon, we’re known for our vinho verde, not some fancy cocktail! But whatever, I whip it up, and he’s all smiles. Then, outta nowhere, this group of ladies comes in. They’re celebrating something—maybe a birthday? Who knows. They’re loud, laughing, and I’m just trying to keep up. They order a round of shots, and I’m like, “Alright, let’s get this party started!” But then, one of ‘em spills her drink all over the bar. I’m talkin’ a full-on tidal wave of mojito. I’m mopping it up, and she’s like, “Sorry, babe!” with this cheeky grin. I can’t even be mad. It’s Trofa, after all. We’re all about good vibes. But then, the mood shifts. This guy walks in, looking all shady. He’s got that “I just got outta a bad deal” look. He sits at the end of the bar, orders a beer, and just stares into space. I’m thinkin’, “What’s his deal?” Turns out, he’s from the nearby town of Santo Tirso. He starts rambling about how he lost his job and how life’s a mess. I feel for the guy, but man, it’s a bar, not a therapy session! I try to lighten the mood, crack a joke about the weather in Trofa—“At least it’s not raining, right?”—but he just stares at me. Ugh, awkward! Then, just when I think it can’t get crazier, a couple of kids run in. They’re like, what, 12? They’re giggling and trying to sneak a peek at the bar. I’m like, “Hey, this ain’t a playground!” But they’re relentless. They start asking me about the best places to hang out in Trofa. I tell ‘em about Parque de Nossa Senhora das Dores. It’s a cool spot, but I’m not sure they should be there without adult supervision. Finally, the night winds down. I’m exhausted, but I can’t help but smile. Trofa’s got this charm, ya know? The streets are alive with laughter, and even the chaos feels like home. I step outside for a breather, and the air is warm. I look down Rua de São Sebastião, and it hits me—this place, with all its quirks and characters, is where I belong. So yeah, today was a whirlwind. From gin and tonics to spilled mojitos, and deep chats with strangers, Trofa never fails to surprise me. I’m just a bartender, but man, I get to witness life in all its messy glory. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.