Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bartender in Novotroyitske is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I roll into work at my usual spot on Shevchenka Street, right? The sun’s blazin’, and I’m already sweating like a pig. I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I’m setting up the bar, and this dude walks in. I swear, he looked like he just ran a marathon. Turns out, he did! He’s all outta breath, talkin’ about some charity run for the local school. I’m like, “Bro, you need a drink, not a medal.” So, I whip him up a cold one, and he’s chugging it like it’s water. I mean, who can blame him? It was hot as hell!
Then, outta nowhere, this group of ladies comes in. They’re all giggles and sparkles, right? They sit down, and one of ‘em orders a cocktail. I’m like, “Sure, what do you want?” And she goes, “Surprise me!” Oh boy, that’s a dangerous game. I mix up something fruity and colorful, and they go wild! They’re takin’ selfies, and I’m just there, grinning like an idiot.
But then, BAM! The door swings open, and in walks the local troublemaker, Vova. Everyone knows Vova. He’s like the unofficial mayor of Novotroyitske, but only because he knows everyone’s business. He’s got this wild look in his eyes, and I’m thinkin’, “What’s he up to now?” He orders a shot of horilka, slams it down, and starts telling this crazy story about how he almost got kicked outta the market on Haharina Street for trying to sell homemade pickles. I mean, who does that?
So, I’m pouring drinks, and the vibe is good. But then, the power goes out. Just like that! The whole place goes dark. I’m fumbling around for my phone, trying to find some light. People are freaking out, and I’m just standing there like, “Great, now I’m a bartender in a horror movie.”
But then, the ladies start singing! Like, full-on karaoke in the dark. It was hilarious! They’re belting out some pop song, and I’m just laughing my ass off. Vova joins in, and suddenly it’s a full-blown concert. I’m thinking, “This is the weirdest shift ever.”
Finally, the lights flicker back on, and everyone cheers. But then, I see this guy at the end of the bar. He’s been sitting there quietly, nursing a drink. I walk over, and he looks up at me with these sad eyes. Turns out, he just moved to Novotroyitske and feels lost. I mean, I get it. This city can be overwhelming. So, I pour him a shot on the house and tell him, “Welcome to the chaos, my friend.”
By the end of the night, I’m exhausted but happy. I’ve seen laughter, tears, and everything in between. Novotroyitske, with its bustling streets and quirky characters, never fails to surprise me. I lock up the bar, step outside, and take a deep breath. The night air is cool, and I can hear the sounds of the city.
I think to myself, “Man, I love this place.” It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s full of life. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.