Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an auctioneer in Kysucké Nové Mesto is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? The sun’s barely up, and I’m already feelin’ the jitters. Today’s the big auction at the old town hall on Hlavná Street. You know, the one that looks like it’s been through a few wars? Yeah, that one. I grab my coffee from the little café on Špitálska. Best coffee in town, no cap. I’m chugging it down like it’s the elixir of life. I mean, who needs sleep when you’ve got caffeine, am I right? Anyway, I’m buzzin’ and ready to roll. I get to the auction, and it’s packed. Like, standing-room-only packed. People everywhere, chattin’ away, and I’m just tryin’ to find my groove. I spot my buddy Jozef, and he’s already eyeing this vintage guitar. I’m like, “Dude, you know you can’t play, right?” He just shrugs and grins. Classic Jozef. So, the auction kicks off. I’m up there, doin’ my thing, and it’s wild. I’m callin’ out bids like a madman. “Who’s got 100? 200? 300?” It’s like a game show, but with way more pressure. And then, outta nowhere, this lady in the back starts yellin’. “I’ll give you 500 for that vase!” I’m like, “Lady, chill! It’s just a vase!” But she’s relentless. Turns out, it’s a family heirloom or somethin’. Who knew vases could have drama? Then, I see this old dude on the side, just sittin’ there, lookin’ all grumpy. I’m thinkin’, “What’s his deal?” Turns out, he’s the previous owner of a painting we’re auctioning. He’s not happy about it. I mean, I get it. It’s tough to let go of stuff. But c’mon, man, it’s just a painting! As the bids keep flyin’, I’m feelin’ the adrenaline. I’m on fire! But then, bam! The power goes out. Just like that. Pitch black. People are freakin’ out. I’m standin’ there, heart racin’, thinkin’, “Great, just great.” But then, someone pulls out their phone and turns on the flashlight. It’s like a mini rave in there. I’m like, “Alright, let’s keep this party goin’!” Finally, the lights come back on, and we’re back in business. I’m shoutin’ bids, and the energy is insane. I’m laughin’, I’m cryin’, I’m just a ball of emotions. I even throw in a joke about how the old dude should just buy a new painting. He cracks a smile. Progress! By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I made some good sales, and the crowd was wild. I step outside, and the fresh air hits me like a wave. I stroll down Hlavná Street, takin’ it all in. The vibe in Kysucké Nové Mesto is just somethin’ else. The mountains in the background, the sound of laughter from the nearby park, it’s all so alive. I swing by the local pub on Mlynská for a quick drink. I need to unwind. I sit down, and the bartender, a guy named Peter, hands me a cold one. “You survived another auction, huh?” he says. I laugh and nod. “Barely!” As I sip my drink, I think about the day. The chaos, the laughter, the unexpected moments. Kysucké Nové Mesto, man. It’s got its quirks, but it’s home. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Well, maybe a million bucks, but you get the point. So, here’s to more crazy days, more wild auctions, and more memories in this little slice of heaven. Cheers!