Man, what a day! I swear, Derry’s got a way of throwin’ curveballs at ya. So, I’m out here doin’ my thing as a car instructor, right? Just another day teachin’ folks how to drive. But nah, not today. Today was a whole different kettle of fish.
Started off at the Guildhall Square. Beautiful spot, right? But I’m already late. Typical me. I’m rushin’ down Shipquay Street, dodgin’ tourists like I’m in some kinda video game. “Watch out, mate!” I yell, as some fella nearly walks into my car. Like, c’mon, dude, it’s not a pedestrian zone!
First student of the day, Sarah. Sweet girl, but she’s got the attention span of a goldfish. We hop in the car, and she’s like, “What’s the speed limit here?” I’m like, “Girl, we just passed a sign that says 30!” She’s all, “Oh, right, right.” I’m thinkin’, “This is gonna be a long hour.”
We’re cruisin’ down the Strand Road, and outta nowhere, she slams the brakes. I’m talkin’ full-on panic mode. “What’s wrong?” I shout. “A squirrel!” she screams. A freakin’ squirrel! I’m like, “Sarah, it’s not a raccoon! Just go around it!” But nah, she’s got a heart of gold.
After that, I’m feelin’ a bit frazzled. I need a cuppa. So, I swing by the Coffee Dock on the quay. Best coffee in Derry, no cap. I grab a latte, and the barista, bless her, says, “You look like you need this.” I’m like, “You have no idea.”
Next up is my dude, Liam. He’s a bit of a character. We’re on the Foyle Bridge, and he’s tryin’ to impress me with his “driving skills.” He’s swervin’ like he’s in a Fast and Furious movie. I’m like, “Liam, chill! This ain’t a race!” But he’s got that grin, you know? Can’t help but laugh.
Then, we hit the Bogside. Man, the history there is heavy. I’m tryin’ to explain the murals to Liam while he’s busy lookin’ at his phone. “Dude, focus!” I shout. “You’re gonna crash!” But he’s all, “Just one sec, I’m checkin’ my TikTok.” I’m like, “Forget TikTok, you’re in Derry! Look at the art!”
After that, I’m feelin’ a bit overwhelmed. I need a breather. So, I pull over at the Peace Bridge. It’s so peaceful, right? But then, I see a couple fightin’ nearby. I’m thinkin’, “Really? Here? Now?” I can’t even enjoy the view.
Finally, I get back to the car. I’m like, “Alright, last student of the day, let’s make it count.” It’s a guy named Mark. He’s a bit older, and I can tell he’s nervous. We’re on the Limavady Road, and he’s takin’ it slow. I’m like, “Mark, you gotta speed up a bit!” But he’s all, “I don’t wanna get pulled over!” I’m like, “Mate, you’re not even goin’ the limit!”
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted. I’ve laughed, I’ve yelled, I’ve nearly cried over a squirrel. Derry’s a wild place, man. But I love it. The streets, the people, the history. It’s all a bit mad, but that’s what makes it home.
So, I head back to my car, ready to call it a day. But then, I see a street performer on the corner of Waterloo Street. He’s playin’ the fiddle, and it’s beautiful. I stop for a sec, just to soak it all in. Derry, you’ve got my heart. Even on the craziest days, you still manage to surprise me.
And that’s a wrap, folks! What a day!