Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I wake up in my little workshop on Shevchenka Street, right? The sun’s blaring through the window, and I’m like, “Ugh, another day of making barrels.” But hey, I’m a cooper, it’s what I do.
First thing, I head to the market on Kirova. You know, the one that’s always buzzing? I’m just trying to grab some supplies. But guess what? The guy selling wood is outta stock! Like, how does that even happen? I’m standing there, fuming. I mean, c’mon, I need my oak!
So, I’m pacing around, and I bump into my buddy Vasya. He’s all like, “Yo, you heard about the festival at the waterfront?” I’m like, “What festival?” Turns out, they’re having this huge thing down by the Dnipro. Food, music, the whole shebang. I’m thinking, “Great, I’ll just finish my work and head over.”
But nah, the universe had other plans. I get back to my shop, and my tools? They’re all messed up! Like, who even touched my stuff? I’m losing it. I’m yelling at the air, “Who’s the jerk messing with my chisels?”
Finally, I get my act together and start working. I’m hammering away, and it’s kinda therapeutic, you know? The rhythm of the hammer, the smell of the wood. But then, outta nowhere, my neighbor’s cat jumps on my workbench! I’m like, “Dude, not cool!” I shoo it away, but it just stares at me like I’m the crazy one.
After a few hours, I finally finish a barrel. It’s not just any barrel, it’s a beauty! I’m feeling proud, like I just won the lottery or something. I load it up and head to the waterfront. The festival is in full swing!
The vibe is electric. I can hear the music from a mile away. I’m walking down Haharina Street, and there are people everywhere. Kids are running around, couples are dancing, and the smell of grilled meat is wafting through the air. I’m drooling.
I find a spot to set up my barrel, and people start gathering around. They’re all curious, asking me about my craft. I’m in my element, talking about the art of coopering, and they’re actually interested! I’m like, “Wow, maybe I should do this more often.”
Then, this little kid comes up to me. He’s got this huge grin and says, “Can I help?” I’m like, “Sure, kid! Grab that hammer!” He’s swinging it like a pro, and I’m cracking up. I mean, who knew a kid could be so into barrels?
But then, just as I’m getting into it, the sky decides to open up. I’m talking torrential downpour! Everyone’s scrambling for cover, and I’m standing there, soaked to the bone, laughing my head off. I mean, what else can you do?
After the rain, the sun comes back out, and it’s like a whole new world. The streets are glistening, and people are back to partying. I’m feeling good, like I just survived a storm—literally!
As the night rolls in, I’m sitting by the river, watching the lights reflect on the water. I’m thinking about how crazy today was. From the market drama to the festival chaos, it was a rollercoaster.
I pack up my stuff, feeling grateful. Primorskiy, you wild city, you never fail to surprise me. I head home, exhausted but happy. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!