Man, what a day! I swear, Abertillery’s got a way of throwin’ curveballs at ya. Woke up early, like crack of dawn early, ya know? The sun was barely peekin’ over the hills. I grabbed me gear, ready to hit the river. Abertillery’s got some decent spots, especially down by the River Ebbw.
So, I’m tryna get my head straight, right? I’m thinkin’ about the fish I’m gonna catch. But first, I gotta deal with the chaos of the streets. I mean, have ya ever tried drivin’ through Abertillery? It’s like a game of dodgems! I’m cruisin’ down the High Street, and there’s this bloke in front of me, just sittin’ there, like he’s waitin’ for a bus that ain’t comin’. I’m honkin’ like mad, but he’s just chillin’. I’m like, “C’mon mate, move it or lose it!”
Finally, I get past him and head down to the riverbank. The water’s lookin’ good, and I’m feelin’ pumped. I set up my rod, and just as I’m about to cast, I hear this loud crash. I turn around, and there’s a bunch of kids playin’ footy, and one of ‘em kicked the ball right into a shop window on Church Street. Glass everywhere! I’m thinkin’, “Great, now I gotta deal with that mess.”
But then, I see the shopkeeper, old Mr. Jenkins, come out. He’s a right character, always grumpy but deep down, he’s got a heart of gold. He starts yellin’ at the kids, but then he just shakes his head and starts laughin’. I’m like, “What’s wrong with this guy?” Turns out, he’s just fed up with the whole thing. I can’t help but chuckle.
Anyway, I finally get back to fishin’. I’m sittin’ there, rod in hand, and I’m thinkin’ about life. Abertillery’s got its charm, ya know? The hills, the old coal mines, the history. But sometimes, it feels like it’s stuck in time. Like, c’mon, we need a bit of liveliness!
Then, BAM! I get a bite! I’m reelin’ it in, and it’s a whopper! I’m shoutin’, “Yes! Finally!” But just as I’m about to land it, my phone buzzes. It’s me mate, Dave. He’s like, “Oi, you catchin’ anything or just daydreamin’?” I’m like, “Shut it, I’m busy!” But I can’t help but laugh.
After a bit, I finally land the fish. It’s a beauty! I’m feelin’ like a champ. But then, I look around, and it’s startin’ to rain. Typical Abertillery weather, right? One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s like the sky’s cryin’. I pack up quick, tryin’ to beat the downpour.
On the way back, I stop by the local chippy on Victoria Street. Can’t resist a good portion of chips, right? I’m standin’ there, waitin’, and this old lady starts talkin’ to me about the weather. I’m like, “Lady, it’s Abertillery, it’s always a bit dodgy!” She just laughs and says, “At least we ain’t in the valleys!”
Finally, I get home, soaked but happy. I’ve got my fish, a story to tell, and a belly full of chips. Abertillery, you crazy place, you never fail to surprise me. I’m thinkin’ maybe tomorrow I’ll try again. Who knows what madness awaits?