Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Hove is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a typical morning, grey skies, a bit drizzly. Classic Hove, innit? I’m stationed at this posh building on Church Road, where the flats are so fancy, they probably have their own butlers.
First ride of the day, I’m thinkin’ it’s gonna be chill. But nah, this lady storms in, all flustered. She’s got this massive dog with her. I mean, HUGE. Like, I’m pretty sure it could eat my lunch and still be hungry. She’s like, “Hold the door!” and I’m like, “Lady, it’s an elevator, not a bus!” But I hit the button, and in comes this beast. I’m squished between a dog and a very stressed-out woman.
We get to the fifth floor, and she’s like, “Thanks!” and bolts out. I’m left there, thinkin’, “What just happened?” I swear, that dog looked at me like I was the main course.
Next up, I get this group of tourists. They’re all excited, takin’ selfies in the lift. One of ‘em, a bloke with a ridiculous hat, keeps askin’ me about the best fish and chips in Hove. I’m like, “Mate, you’re in the right place! Go to The Regency!” But he’s too busy posing. I mean, c’mon, it’s just an elevator, not a runway!
Then, outta nowhere, the lift gets stuck. Just my luck, right? I’m there, tryin’ to keep it cool, but inside I’m like, “Oh great, I’m gonna be the headline in the Hove Gazette: ‘Elevator Operator Trapped with Tourists!’” I hit the emergency button, and it’s like a scene from a horror movie. The lights flicker, and I’m thinkin’, “This is it. I’m gonna die in a lift.”
Finally, after what feels like forever, the doors open. I’m greeted by a bunch of confused faces. I’m like, “Welcome to Hove, folks! Hope you enjoyed the ride!” They all laugh, and I’m relieved. I mean, if you can’t laugh at yourself, what’s the point, right?
After that, I needed a breather. So, I step outside for a quick smoke. The sea’s just down the road, and the smell of saltwater hits me. I love that about Hove. It’s got this vibe, ya know? The beach, the pier, the people. It’s like a little slice of heaven, even when it’s raining.
But then, I see this guy on the corner of George Street, tryin’ to juggle. He’s not great at it, but he’s got this crowd. I’m thinkin’, “Man, I should’ve taken up juggling instead of elevators.” But then again, I’d probably drop the balls and trip over my own feet.
Back to work, and I’m feelin’ a bit more upbeat. I get this elderly couple next. They’re super sweet, holdin’ hands and all that. They start tellin’ me about their first date at the old Hove Town Hall. I’m like, “Aww, that’s cute!” But then they start bickering about who forgot the flowers. Classic, right?
As the day rolls on, I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool. I mean, Hove’s got its quirks. Like, why do people insist on walkin’ their dogs on the beach when it’s pouring? I saw this one guy, soaked to the bone, and his dog’s just havin’ the time of its life. I’m like, “Dude, you’re not a mermaid!”
Finally, it’s knockin’ off time. I’m exhausted but happy. I love this city, with its quirky streets and even quirkier people. Hove’s got a charm that just sticks to ya. I head to the pub on the corner of Blatchington Road for a pint. I deserve it, right?
So, yeah, that was my day. Just another wild ride in the life of an elevator operator in Hove. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!