One of the coolest things for me is that I already feel like I’m part of the community. Some of the people here that I regularly do business with recognize me and know my “regular” order. The motorcycle guy that takes me to work doesn’t even have to ask where I’m going anymore. He sees me walking up from 2 blocks away, jumps on his bike, pulls it to the spot where I jump on, and then takes me to the office. No verbal communication required. I love this because it saves me from failing to communicate my destination, and it means we have an established fare so I don’t have to try to negotiate.
There’s a guy that sells smoothies at night that are to die for. These things are flat out amazing. He is out at night on the road between my apartment and the skytrain station. I buy one every time I walk by him. He knows me as well which is kinda cool.
They probably know me because I’m white and I stand out. The taxi has the added advantage of seeing my uniform. There are a few other teachers around here as well so he probably knows it better than he knows me. Still, I like that people here know me already.
June 17, 2007
yeah, i bet that makes things easier. btw, what’s so good about these smoothies?