Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an arborist in Santana (ro) is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First stop, Avenida do Comércio. I’m rollin’ up, ready to check on this massive oak tree. You know, the one that’s been there since the dinosaurs? Okay, maybe not that long, but it’s old. Like, “I’ve seen some stuff” old. Anyway, I get there, and what do I see? A bunch of kids climbing it! I’m like, “Yo, this ain’t a jungle gym!” But they’re all giggles and “We’re just having fun!” Ugh, kids these days.
So, I shoo them away, and I’m about to start my inspection when BAM! A pigeon poops right on my hard hat. Like, seriously? I’m just trying to do my job here! I look up, and that bird’s just staring at me like, “What’s good?” I’m fuming, but I can’t help but laugh. It’s like the universe is saying, “Welcome to Santana, buddy!”
Next, I head over to Rua da Liberdade. Beautiful street, man. Trees lining the road, people chillin’ at cafes. I’m feeling good again. But then, I see this guy trying to parallel park his car. And let me tell you, it was a disaster. He’s in and out, in and out, and I’m just standing there, popcorn in hand, watching the show. Finally, he gets out, throws his hands up, and yells, “I’m done!” Classic Santana moment, right?
After that, I’m off to check on some sickly trees near Praça da Independência. I’m all about saving the trees, you know? But when I get there, I find this group of folks having a picnic under one of the sick trees. I’m like, “Guys, this tree’s not feeling well!” But they’re all, “It’s fine, it’s fine!” I mean, come on! I’m the tree doctor here!
So, I start explaining how the roots are rotting, and they look at me like I’m speaking Martian. One dude even says, “But it’s so pretty!” I’m like, “Yeah, but pretty don’t mean healthy!” I swear, sometimes I feel like I’m talking to a wall.
Then, I get a call about a fallen branch on Rua da Paz. I rush over, and it’s a mess. The branch is huge, blocking the whole road. Cars are honking, people are yelling. I’m like, “Chill, folks! I got this!” But inside, I’m panicking. I’m not a lumberjack, I’m an arborist!
I start cutting the branch, and it’s like a scene from an action movie. Wood chips flying everywhere, and I’m sweating like a pig. Finally, I clear the road, and everyone starts clapping. I’m standing there, covered in sawdust, feeling like a rockstar.
But then, just when I think it’s over, I trip over my own feet. I go down hard, and the crowd goes silent. I’m lying there, and all I can think is, “Great, now I’m the clown of Santana.” But then, a little kid runs up and says, “You’re my hero!” And I’m like, “Aww, kid, you just made my day.”
By the time I wrap up, I’m exhausted. I head to my favorite spot, a little café on Rua do Sol. I grab a coffee, and I’m just sitting there, soaking it all in. Santana’s got its quirks, for sure. The people, the trees, the chaos—it’s all part of the charm.
So yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, laughter and frustration. But at the end of it all, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Because in Santana, every day’s an adventure, and I’m just lucky to be a part of it.