Man, what a day! I swear, Ashton-under-Lyne is a wild place. I woke up this mornin’ thinkin’ it’d be just another boring Tuesday. Boy, was I wrong!
First off, I’m a dealer, right? Not the shady kind, chill. I deal in vintage stuff, like records and old-school gear. So, I’m cruisin’ down Stamford Street, feelin’ good, ready to hit up the market. The sun’s out, and I’m thinkin’ “Today’s the day!” You know, the kinda day where you find that rare gem.
I get to the market, and it’s packed! Like, where did all these people come from? I’m dodgin’ folks left and right, tryin’ to get to my usual spot. Then, bam! I trip over some kid’s skateboard. I’m like, “Oi! Watch it, mate!” But the kid just laughs. I’m fumin’ but also kinda impressed. Kids these days, right?
So, I set up my stall on Market Street. Got my vinyls out, some cool old cameras, and a few retro tees. I’m feelin’ good, but then this bloke comes over. He’s all like, “What’s this rubbish?” I’m like, “Rubbish? Mate, this is classic!” But he just rolls his eyes and walks off. I’m thinkin’, “Who even asked you?”
Then, outta nowhere, this old lady comes up. She’s got this massive bag, like, how does she even carry that? She starts rummagin’ through my stuff, and I’m like, “Careful, love! That’s vintage!” But she’s got this twinkle in her eye. Turns out, she’s lookin’ for a record of The Smiths. I’m like, “You’ve come to the right place!”
We end up chattin’ for ages. She tells me about her youth, hangin’ out in Ashton, goin’ to gigs at The Witchwood. I’m laughin’ and feelin’ all nostalgic. It’s mad how music connects people, innit?
But then, just as I’m gettin’ all sentimental, the skies open up. I mean, proper rain! I’m tryin’ to cover my stuff, but it’s too late. My records are gettin’ soaked! I’m shoutin’, “No! Not the vinyls!” People are scatterin’, and I’m just standin’ there, drenched and angry.
After the rain, I’m packin’ up, feelin’ defeated. But then, I spot this fella across the street. He’s holdin’ a sign that says “Free Hugs.” I’m like, “What the heck?” But I’m also curious. So, I wander over, and he gives me a hug. It’s weirdly nice. I’m laughin’ now, thinkin’ “Only in Ashton, right?”
I head down to the local chippy on Union Street. Can’t resist a good fish and chips after a day like this. I order the usual, and the guy behind the counter is crackin’ jokes. I’m chattin’ with him, and suddenly, I’m feelin’ all warm inside. It’s like the city’s got this vibe that just lifts you up, even when you’re soaked and grumpy.
As I’m munchin’ on my chips, I see the sunset over the canal. It’s beautiful, man. I’m sittin’ there, thinkin’ about the day. The ups, the downs, the random hugs. Ashton-under-Lyne, you’re a strange place, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of surprises, laughter, and a bit of chaos. Just another Tuesday in Ashton, I guess!