The Cabby in his 30s

June 13 2011

Today in the evening I went to buy some international calling cards and some grocery items for home. As some of the items bought are suppose to be kept in deep freezer, I decided to take taxi instead of usual public transport to save the items from spoiling by being out too long.

The Cabby in his 30s approaching 40, welcomed me on board with a smile. He asked me where would I like to go and upfront also the route I prefer to take. His way of asking and was very welcoming as all his talks was accompanied with a large smile.

Upon knowing the place he said long drive from here (approx 30 minutes). I acknowledged the same with a smile. This initiated our small talk on the way. He said you come all the way to this place for purchasing somethings. I said yes because there are spices, sweets and some other stuff that we can only get in this place. Its not easy to get it in other parts of the country. He acknowledged the same.

Shortly he decided to share his mother’s story. He said they have lived in Ang Mo Kio for long and have been shifted to Serangoon Central. All things that are available in Ang Mo Kio are also easily and sometimes every cheaper in Serangoon Central. But his mother is so use the shops and people that known her for so many years that she still likes to buy things from Ang Mo Kio and says she gets discount if she buys it from her knows shops. The smile on cabby’s face was so bright and sparkling that its not easily seen these days.

I decided to build up on the same and started telling him that even I lived in Ang Mo Kio for several years before moving into a new house and frankly the experience was the same. We still miss the convenience we always had living in Ang Mo Kio was great for eating, shopping and even going places. I told him that like his mother, my wife misses Ang Mo Kio environment the same way.

We both laughed and in this talk didn’t even realize that we were getting closer to the destination. Few minutes later I arrived at my block. I paid and got down. I wished him a Good evening ahead and he smiled and wished the same to me.

Travelling with a Professional Driver

June 13 2011

I woke up, realizing I have a morning ten am meeting with Japan’s new manager for introduction. I got ready on time and called a cab to fetch me to office. By the time I reached down stairs to my surprise the cab driver, already arrived and awaiting my at the void deck on my apartment block. I approached towards the taxi and he some how new from a distance that I am the one to board his taxi. He auto opened the door for me.

I sat in the taxi and he said welcome Mr. Singh where would you like to go today. I told him to bring me to the office location. He knew the best route to the location. The cab was already having nice 23-24 degrees temperature compare to outside 29 degrees. As we started our journey I could see him really well worse and professional in his job. He knew where to slow and where to be full speed.

Generally it takes up to 30 minutes+ to reach office. He could bring me to office in 20+ minutes. The cabby was really well behaved, professional. Along the way he got a call from someone, he picked it up and started talking but his eyes were still on road all the time.

When arriving at the destination, as per normal I made the payment and thanked him for bringing me safely to office as well as wished him a good day ahead. He wished the same in return and moved on to his next pickup.

Travelling with Old Uncle

June 10 2011

I woke up in the morning all tired with body ache but still with full mind to go to office and do necessary activities. After getting ready, I did my morning breakfast. Looked at the watch and decided to call a cab. I moved out, called the lift and then realized I forgot something so I went back in to take it and by the time came back, the lift has gone. I called the lift again and reached downstairs.

I sat in the cab and told the cab uncle (in his 50+ age) to drive me to my office by a specific route. He didn’t know the exit properly from our location so I decided to guide him until we reach the highway. While uncle drive me to work I normally do my religious duties of spending sometime thinking of GOD.

We arrived at office location and uncle almost missed the turn, but managed to take another one fast enough. I decided to tell him where to turn and which office building lobby etc. Upon arrival I decided to pay by card, somehow on the first try my pin was not authenticated. So I tried again and transaction was approved.

I wished him a good day ahead. I could see as 1^st time my pin did not authenticate he was still looking at the receipt. I walked out and reached to the lift and I could still he was waiting there and looking at receipt.