“Asshole!”, I yelled (in my head).

This old guy had pressed 15, 16, and 17 on the elevator so that he would have enough time to get to his apartment and back to the elevator to press the button before the elevator would pass by the 14th floor. He was effectively holding the elevator for himself. In a building with 17 floors, 12 apartments per floor, and only two elevators he felt that the extra time he may have to wait to get the elevator in fair turn was more valuable than those who might also want to use the elevator.

A part of me wanted to ride the course and return to the 14th floor, holding the elevator for this guy (if he wasn’t already waiting for it) so that I could give him a lecture about sharing. He has effectively proven that he fits the “you get younger as you get older” stereotype. But rather than him having the innocence and/or lack of wisdom a child might have, he has no excuse.

I decided, instead, to press the following floor buttons: 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7. He wanted to make me wait for 3 floors, so he will wait for 6. I took the stairs down–happily.

Update: The guy died a few days following this incident.

I just composed a farewell e-mail to say goodbye to those who I could personally say goodbye to before leaving. After I added everyone to the “to” field I realized that there were 60 names in this list and I thought it unfair for me to not write something here about my leaving. 60 people who have personally affected my life in the past year. 60 people that I can put more than just a face to–people whom I have relate experiences and emotions to. Surely you must understand how it can be hard to leave.

Last night I shipped my personal affects to Canada which turned out to be a long, time-consuming process. After spending well over an hour at the UPS warehouse I was received at the Mihut household where we ate a delicious beer can chicken, with potatoes and a salad, and then watched a couple of recently-aired TV shows. It was really relaxing, but sad for me at the same time. I definitely had the thoughts that I did not want to leave.

***

I started writing this post hours ago, but could not finish with the trip to the Asian restaurant, checking-in for the flight, saying goodbye, going for a final run, etc. Unfortunately now I don’t have time to reflect further, as I have to go and get ready for dinner, plus pack this evening. But let it be known that the people here are awesome and I will miss them dearly.

Update: Feel free to track me on flight AC839 tomorrow. No stalkers please. Thanks.

Update: It is also worth pointing out what is, perhaps, my favourite rendition of the same anthem: as sung by thousands of loyal hockey fans. Every time I see it–from when I watched it live, to just now–I get an overwhelming rush.

Just try to take a moment to imagine how superb that must be.

Now, add the best Nine Inch Nails concert in the history of concerts.

The concert was spectacular. I showed up after doors opened, but skipped the line because I purchased my ticket from the fan-pre-order on nin.com. There was literally no line at the pre-order by this time (all the hardcore fans were already inside)–I got my ticket and walked right in.

The venue was La Riviera–a club that you can pack 2500 people into. I don’t know how many were there tonight, but it was pretty full. When I entered there were probably only a couple of hundred people in the club so I had a fine spot on the floor.

Alec Empire–a German musician–opened. You may have heard of the band Atari Teenage Riot, which he was a founding member of. He was good. It was just him and a woman as a part of the performance; she was on the machines while Alec was singing and playing a bit of guitar. There were a few fans that were overly enthusiastic jumping around and making me throw a couple of elbows, but it was a good warm up for the NIN performance.

As the anticipation for Nine Inch Nails raised, the crowed became more and more packed together. I started back about 8 rows, to the left side of the stage. Little did I know that this was actually a bit too close to the action! When the performance opened and the crowd started moving there were a few people who retreated to the back because of the crushing sways.

The set list and performance were incredible. I didn’t keep track of the set list but I’m sure it will show up. Some highlights were Reptile, Meet Your Master, Burn, Non-Entity, Something I Can Never Have, and–maybe my favourite of the show–the Downward Spiral.

Somehow I ended up being dead centre, about 5th person back from the barrier. I’m not sure if you would call what I was in a “mosh pit”, but there were plenty of times when the only thing keeping me from falling over while I was jumping around were the bodies of everyone else. This wasn’t without consequence: my toes were really beat up. My advice: don’t wear sandals if you might be in such a situation.

The packed people also made it quite hot. I was quite relieved when the security team started passing back some water bottles. The odd drink, and the occasional sprinkle really helped. My shirt was literally soaked through with sweat by the end. Outside was 28 degrees (at midnight!) and it felt cool to me.

The show was so awesome that I decided to get a t-shirt at the end. Watch for it–you might see it some day. I’ll also add here that the Metro in Madrid is awesome.

Already this trip was worth it. I even forgot that I am sick. Good night!

Update: I forgot to add “Last” to my list of noteworthy songs. The song was still in my head this morning. The set list.

Today I realized that I haven’t heard any pipes in all of the time I have been in Germany. Perhaps this is not surprising, given that the bagpipes are a somewhat niche instrument, though I believe it is noteworthy. I am almost certain that, of those who read this post, someone will hear the bagpipes being played before I make my return.

Update: Bagpipes may not be quite as common here, but I did see someone pooping just off of a trail. Now, I wouldn’t say this is common here but I can’t say that I’ve ever witnessed someone squatting over the ground to lay a turd in Canada. So, there’s that.