Things are looking up

After a particularly difficult day at work, I left late for the airport, which put me smack in the middle of rush hour. After making it to the gate in the nick of time and boarding the plane, we were delayed 40 minutes waiting for the plane to get de-iced. After I arrived in San Francisco (late), I caught the shuttle to pick up my rental car. The driver laid a patch after every stop, which was amusing at first, but grew tired by the tenth time. After finishing the paperwork, he went out to the small parking lot to "bring my car around for me". Eventhough the parking lot was no bigger than my yard, he felt the need to lay a patch. Bad idea. He slammed into another parked car. More delays. It seemed like my day was getting worse by the minute.

I eventually made it to my hotel, which was in a really sketchy part of town - I would liken it to East Hastings in Vancouver - but I was too interested in getting to the Billy Talent show to consider finding another hotel. Plus, it actually looked decent. Built in 1956, it had a funky, retro feel and was decorated like a tropical oasis. How bad could it be? Afterall, I was just sleeping there - and, hey, I'm always up for an adventure.

I arrived at the bar where Billy Talent was performing just as they were doing a soundcheck. Perfect timing. There couldn't have been more than a couple of hundred people inside. It's pretty crazy to think that they can sell out shows in big venues in Canada and can't even pack a bar in the US. I was able to enjoy the show unbelievably close to the stage.

Dynamite show. As if that wasn't great in itself, I got to meet the band after the show! You could say this really turned my day around.


When I got back to my hotel, there were some naked men hanging out by the pool in the courtyard. Amusing. Only in San Francisco. This weekend is definitely going to be an adventure. I have a good feeling about it though.