Man, what a day! Seriously, Darton, UK, you’ve thrown me for a loop. I woke up thinking it’d be just another boring day as a Visiting Prof. But nah, Darton had other plans.
First off, I’m staying on High Street. Nice little spot, but the noise? Ugh! Cars zooming by, people chattin’ like it’s a market day. I’m like, “Can a guy get some peace?” But whatever, I grab my coffee from that cute little café, The Coffee House. Best flat white ever! I swear, I could swim in it.
So, I’m walking down Church Street, right? Just minding my own biz, when I see this old bloke, probably in his 80s, trying to cross the road. He’s shufflin’ along like he’s in a race against time. I’m like, “C’mon, mate, you got this!” But then, bam! A bus comes outta nowhere. I’m yelling, “Watch out!” like I’m some superhero. He looks at me, gives me a wink, and just strolls across. I’m standing there, mouth agape. What’s this guy made of?
Then, I head over to the Darton Library. I mean, it’s a library, right? Should be quiet. Nope! Kids everywhere, running around like they’re on a sugar high. I’m trying to prep for my lecture on Shakespeare, and all I can hear is “Miss, look at this!” and “I found a dinosaur book!” I’m like, “Dude, chill! It’s not Jurassic Park!”
Finally, I get to the lecture hall on Barnsley Road. It’s packed! I’m thinking, “Wow, they actually care?” But then, I see a few students scrolling on their phones. I’m like, “Really? You’re in a lecture, not a TikTok convention!” But I roll with it. I start talking about Hamlet, and suddenly, I see a hand shoot up. It’s this girl, probably 19, and she’s like, “Is Hamlet just a sad boy?” I almost spit out my water. I mean, yeah, kinda! But I’m not here to crush dreams.
After the lecture, I’m feeling pumped. I head to The Crown pub on Doncaster Road. I need a pint, right? I sit down, and the bartender’s like, “What’ll it be?” I’m like, “A pint of your finest, please!” He hands me this massive glass. I’m thinking, “This is what I’m talking about!”
But then, outta nowhere, this guy at the bar starts singing. I mean, belting it out like he’s on The Voice or something. I’m laughing, but also kinda impressed. He’s singing some old 80s tune, and everyone’s joining in. It’s like a scene from a movie. I’m thinking, “This is Darton, man. You never know what you’ll get!”
Then, I get a text from my mate back home. He’s like, “How’s Darton?” I’m like, “Dude, it’s wild! I almost saved an old man, survived a library full of kids, and witnessed a karaoke showdown!”
As the night rolls on, I’m walking back to my place, and I can’t help but smile. Darton’s got this vibe, ya know? It’s quirky, it’s unexpected, and it’s full of surprises. I’m thinking, “Maybe I’ll stick around longer.”
So yeah, Darton, you’ve been a trip. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!