Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a barista in Forres is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I roll into work at this cute lil’ café on High Street, right? It’s a cozy spot, all wood and warm lights. I’m already buzzin’ from my morning coffee, but boy, did I need it.
First customer walks in. It’s this old dude, right? He’s got a beard like Gandalf and a twinkle in his eye. Orders a flat white, but then he starts ramblin’ about the weather. “Did ya see the rain on Grant Street?” he says. I’m like, “Mate, it’s Scotland. It rains every other minute!” But I smile, ‘cause he’s sweet.
Then, bam! The door swings open, and in comes this group of tourists. They’re loud, like, “Where’s the nearest castle?” I’m thinkin’, “Dude, you’re in Forres, not Hogwarts!” But I help ‘em out. Told ‘em about the ruins of the old castle on Castle Hill. They were stoked. I mean, who wouldn’t be? History, right?
But then, oh man, the coffee machine starts acting up. Like, seriously? It’s like it’s possessed. I’m tryin’ to steam milk, and it’s sputtering like a dying cat. I’m sweating bullets, and the line’s getting longer. I can feel my heart racing. I’m like, “C’mon, just work!”
Finally, I fix it. Thank the coffee gods! But then, this lady walks in. She’s got a dog, and it’s the cutest thing ever. But then it starts barking at the old dude. He jumps, spills his flat white all over himself. I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” I rush over, help him clean up. He’s laughing, but I’m dying inside.
After that, I take a breather outside. The sun’s peeking through the clouds on Forres, and it’s actually nice. I’m standing on the corner of Victoria Road, just soaking it in. The smell of fresh pastries wafts from the bakery down the street. I think, “Life’s not so bad.”
But then, I see this kid on a bike. He’s zooming down the street, and I swear he’s gonna crash. He swerves, nearly takes out a lamppost. I’m like, “Dude, chill!” But he just laughs and keeps going. Kids these days, right?
Back inside, the café’s packed. I’m juggling orders like a circus clown. “One cappuccino, two lattes, and a scone!” I’m shouting. My brain’s like, “What’s happening?” But I love it. The energy is wild.
Then, this couple comes in. They’re all lovey-dovey, ordering a mocha to share. I roll my eyes, but it’s kinda cute. They’re talking about their plans to hike in the nearby woods. I’m like, “You guys know about the beautiful trails at Culbin Forest?” They light up. I’m happy to share my local knowledge.
But then, the clock strikes 3 PM. I’m exhausted. I’ve spilled coffee on myself twice, and my feet are killing me. I’m thinkin’ about how I need a break. Just as I’m about to close up, a regular walks in. It’s Sarah, and she’s got this massive smile. She hands me a cupcake from the bakery. “For you!” she says. I’m like, “You’re a lifesaver!”
As I’m cleaning up, I can’t help but think about how crazy today was. From the old dude to the tourists, the barking dog, and the lovebirds. Forres is full of surprises. I love this town, even when it drives me nuts.
So, I lock up the café, take a deep breath, and head home. The sun’s setting over the Moray Firth, and it’s beautiful. I think, “Yeah, I’ll do this again tomorrow.” Because that’s life in Forres, man. Full of chaos, laughter, and a whole lot of coffee.