But its not just because theyre convenient; I like to talk to the drivers!
And I wouldnt trade all the stories, advice, and near head-on collisions for anything.
Ill never forget the talk I had about diversity and storytelling in film with an independent filmmaker from Mexico.
Conversations like these let me turn a mundane practice into something memorable and useful.
You see, all of these people gave me something: perspective.
A different outlook on life and why we do the silly things we do in our brief time here.
And thats something thats more valuable to me than an $18 ride to the bar.
But you have to want that to happen.
I find I can get conversations going with the simplest of questions:
Busy so far?
How long have you lived here?
Been driving for [service] long?
Have you heard of [place Im headed]?
Thats all it takes.
But if someone seems nice, give it a shot.
Ask how their day is going.
Besides, what else are you going to do?
Stare at your phone?
Plus,its an easy way to improve your passenger rating or keep it looking pristine.
In this age of Yelp!
It looked cool, and so did he (think Lucio from Overwatch.)
Almost immediately we realized Enzo liked to go fast and held little respect for stop signs.
It was his girlfriend, and he was in trouble because he hadnt picked out a movie.
It was his mothers birthday and he and his girlfriend werent sure what to take her to see.
After about 20 minutes of surprisingly deep discussion on film, we resolved that they should go seeThe Martian.
As far as I know, they did, and Enzos mother had a wonderful birthday.
As I got out of the car and closed the door, he shouted Go to China!
These were uncomfortable experiences, to say the least, but I now relish them because theyre great stories.
Also, I kinda want to go to China now.
Well played, sir.
