Blackout. « I wish I worked all the DIAS like this »
Much has been said about the damage caused by Monday’s blackout. However, the scenario was not just black. For some restaurants, cafes and shops that sell a little of everything, it was possible to make money in some cases like never before. Many people were dismissed from work and decided to fill the terraces, buy groceries and look for a place with gas stove to eat a hot meal.
At the number 44C of Rua Cavaleiro de Oliveira, in Arroios, is the café/restaurant flagrant. The terrace is not full, contrary to what happened at the beginning of the week when there was no electricity. «When the light was over and realized it was general, I figured it would be something that would be resolved in a short time. I continued with the door open »tells the owner Anabela. Then he began to realize that the problem could be more serious than what he thought. «Rumors were so many, because ‘who counts a point adds a point’! But I said that regardless of what happened, we were going to be open as we had daylight and that’s what I did »continues. «I worked very well… With the certainty that electricity came at night, every week there could be a blackout. It was really good for us. I wish I worked like this every day »admit.
According to Anabela people consumed salty, cakes and a lot of beer. «In 30 years I am here, I had never sold so much beer! Even more at room temperature. The fresh is over and people wanted the same »reveals. In addition, the owner was surprised that people have money. «Much notes of 50 euros appeared, so I imagine it was money that people had saved at home»reflects.
In the same street, the Brazil style had never had such a good billing day. «The blackout happened the moment I was opening. I sat there at the table thinking, ‘What am I going to do now?’ Had no energy to work, the employee could not come », Reminds owner Deivid. He left the door ajar and it didn’t take much until he realized that after all the day would be very agitated. «One started coming, then another, then another… insisted to open as my stove is from billion, I started by picanha, rice, chips. I made so much food. The beer in the meantime is also over and I was buying here.sharing. «It was the first time my coffee has filled! I sold everything I had! On a normal day I do 200 euros, that day I hit 700 »confide.
Work without stopping
On Avenida de Rome, also the famous Frutalmeidas was open that day. According to Henrique, one of the employees, the day was a little «Detacked with the conditions that brings a failure of energy». «All houses are stuck to electricity… Anyway, with some art and ingenuity we were having some articles for sale: we were finishing cakes that were already pre-made, manually making the juices and frying what we got with the gas. Not for us, more for the people who needed to eat »says. The usual customers were due to and have already returned to pay. « It went well, worked and even made some money »guarantees.
In one of several mini grocery stores throughout the capital, Leali says that when the energy was below, it was apprehensive. «I was sitting here to think about whether or not to close the store. Until they knocked on the door and asked me to buy a flashlight »describes. After that, more people began to emerge. It reached a point that your colleague had to manage the entrances, as the space is small. Lanterns, radios, candles, tuna, water, crackers, eggs, beans, grain… «They wanted it all! I worked until 8pm without stopping. I didn’t sit, I didn’t eat. At this time there was still the store full, with some candles lit. I really had to send people away. I also needed to organize and rest. It was strange. People were very scared »shot.
