Man, what a day! Seriously, Chippenham, you’ve got me all over the place. I woke up thinking it’d be just another boring day as a Visiting Prof, but nah, not in this town.
First off, I’m staying at this cute little B&B on The Causeway. Super quaint, right? But the shower? It’s like a water torture device. I swear, it took me 10 mins just to figure out how to get the water warm. I’m standing there, half-naked, yelling, “Come on, give me some heat!”
So, I finally get out, and I’m like, “Okay, let’s hit the town.” I stroll down the High Street, and it’s buzzing. I mean, who knew Chippenham had this much life? I pop into a café on Market Place. The coffee? Divine. The barista? A bit too chipper for 8 AM. I’m like, “Dude, chill. It’s just coffee.”
Then, I decide to check out the Chippenham Museum. I’m all about that local history, right? But as I’m wandering around, I trip over my own feet. Classic me. I knock over this display about the town’s railway history. I’m mortified! The curator gives me this look like I just set fire to the place. I’m like, “Sorry, mate! Just trying to connect with the past!”
After that little fiasco, I head over to the River Avon. It’s beautiful, honestly. I sit on a bench, just soaking it all in. But then, outta nowhere, this flock of ducks comes waddling by. I’m talking like a full-on duck parade. I can’t help but laugh. I mean, who doesn’t love ducks? But then, one of them decides to take a dump right next to me. I’m like, “Really, dude? This is how you repay my admiration?”
Next, I wander down to the Chippenham Town Football Club. I’m not even a football fan, but the energy is infectious. I get caught up in the crowd, and before I know it, I’m cheering like I’ve been a lifelong supporter. “Go on, lads!” I shout. I have no idea what’s happening, but it feels good.
But then, oh man, the game takes a turn. The ref makes a dodgy call, and the crowd goes wild. People are shouting, “You blind, mate?” and “Get your eyes checked!” I’m standing there, half-laughing, half-worried someone’s gonna throw a pint. It’s chaos, but it’s hilarious.
After the match, I’m feeling all pumped up. I decide to grab some grub at a pub on The Market Place. I order a classic fish and chips. It’s massive! I’m like, “Am I supposed to eat all this?” But I dive in. It’s so good, I forget my manners. I’m shoveling it in like I haven’t eaten in days.
Then, I meet this local guy named Dave. He’s a character, let me tell ya. He starts telling me about the history of Chippenham, and I’m like, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” He’s got all these wild stories about the old days. I’m hanging on every word.
But then, outta nowhere, he starts talking about the ghost of the old railway station. I’m like, “C’mon, mate, ghosts?” But he’s dead serious. He says people have seen a ghostly figure wandering the tracks. I’m trying not to laugh, but it’s kinda spooky.
As the sun sets, I’m walking back to my B&B, and I can’t help but feel grateful. Chippenham, you’ve been a wild ride. From the ducks to the football madness, to the ghost stories, I’m all in. I’m exhausted but happy.
So, here I am, lying in bed, thinking about how this little town has turned my day upside down. Who knew Chippenham could be so full of surprises? I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.