Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Siauliai is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a typical morning, sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m just tryna sip my coffee in peace. But nah, not today!
First off, I’m stationed at this old building on Vilniaus Street. You know, the one with the weird graffiti? Yeah, that one. So, I’m chillin’ in the elevator, just me and my thoughts. I’m thinkin’ about how I should’ve brought a sandwich instead of just a muffin. Muffins don’t cut it, man.
Then, boom! The doors slide open, and in walks this lady with a million shopping bags. I mean, seriously, how many bags can one person carry? She’s like, “Hey, can you take me to the fifth floor?” I’m like, “Sure, but you might need a crane for all that stuff!” She laughs, and I’m like, “Wow, I still got it!”
But then, as I’m about to hit the button, the elevator jerks. I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” I swear, I thought I was gonna be stuck between floors like some horror movie. But nah, it just needed a little nudge. Phew!
So, we get to the fifth floor, and she bolts outta there like she’s on fire. I’m just standing there, thinking, “What just happened?” But then, the next guy hops in. This dude’s got a skateboard. In the elevator. Like, really? I’m in Siauliai, not some skate park!
He’s all like, “Yo, take me to the third!” I’m like, “Dude, you know this ain’t a taxi, right?” But whatever, I hit the button. As we’re going down, he starts telling me about this sick skate spot near the Siauliai Arena. I’m like, “Man, I gotta check that out!”
Then, outta nowhere, the lights flicker. I’m thinkin’, “Great, now we’re gonna be stuck in the dark.” But nah, just a little power hiccup. I’m sweating bullets, though. I can’t be stuck in here with a skater and no snacks!
Finally, we hit the ground floor, and he zooms outta there. I’m just tryna catch my breath when this old dude walks in. He’s got a cane and a look that says he’s seen some stuff. He’s like, “Take me to the seventh.” I’m like, “You sure you wanna go that high?”
He chuckles, “I’ve climbed mountains, son.” I’m like, “Alright, let’s do this!” So, we’re going up, and he starts telling me about his days in the army. He’s dropping stories about battles and bravery, and I’m just standing there, wide-eyed. I’m like, “Wow, this guy’s a legend!”
But then, as we reach the seventh floor, the elevator stops. I’m like, “No, no, no! Not again!” I’m sweating like a pig. The old dude just laughs. “Don’t worry, son. I’ve been stuck in worse places.” I’m like, “Yeah, but this is Siauliai! We don’t do stuck!”
After a few tense moments, the elevator jolts back to life. I’m like, “Thank you, elevator gods!” The old guy gives me a pat on the back, and I’m like, “You’re the real MVP!”
So, I finally get a break. I step outside for some fresh air on Aušros Street. The sun’s setting, and it’s beautiful. I see the Hill of Crosses in the distance, and I’m like, “Man, this city has its charm.”
But then, I hear this commotion. A bunch of kids are running around, playing tag or something. One of them trips and falls right in front of me. I’m like, “Oh no, kid!” But he just gets up, brushes it off, and keeps running. I’m like, “That’s the spirit!”
As I head back inside, I can’t help but think about how wild today was. From shopping bags to skateboards to army stories, Siauliai never fails to surprise me. I love this city, man. It’s got its quirks, just like me.
So, I wrap up my shift, and I’m exhausted but happy. I’m like, “Bring on tomorrow!” Who knows what craziness awaits? Siauliai, you’ve got my heart.