I bungled the timing for my trip home and arrived at the airport only 30 minutes before my departure time. I didn’t think this would be a problem, as our small airport is rarely busy, but I guess everyone is on their way home today too.

The security line-up was too long, and multiple flights were departing simultaneously, so I missed my plane. I now have three hours to kill before the next flight leaves.

I hate it when issues arise at the airport, especially when they’re my fault. This is, however, the perfect opportunity to waste away the afternoon on YouTube.

A couple of years ago, when I was traveling, I entertained myself on the trains by listening to podcasts. My favourite podcast at the time was The Ricky Gervais Show, where Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, creators of The Office and Extras, sit down and chat with their friend, a radio producer, Karl Pilkington. The three of them together produced hilarious results, and I often had to pause my MP3 player and try to stop laughing because people were starting to stare.

Gervais and Merchant are both interesting and funny, but the star of the podcast is, by far, the then unknown Karl Pilkington. I wouldn’t say Pilkington is stupid, but his brain works in mysterious ways. He says whatever comes to mind, and it’s usually so off the wall it’s impossible not to laugh. He sees the world as a child sees it, full of wonder and naive charm. He does come across as prejudice, but there doesn’t really seem to be any hate behind it, just simple, elegant ignorance.

I really only listened to the first season of the podcast, as they were free and I stopped listening to podcasts after I returned to Canada, but I’d definitely recommend it for those interested.

Here’s a clip of Ricky Gervais interviewing Karl Pilkington. It’s from Gervais’ live comedy DVD, and it’s pure brilliance.

Keep in mind, Gervais and Merchant swear they don’t write anything for Karl Pilkington. He’s apparently always like this. I’d probably be skeptical if I’d only watched this clip, but after listening to their podcasts, I think he’s the real deal. If there’s someone out there who could purposely write an hour’s worth of Pilkington dialogue for their weekly podcast, they deserve every award available.