As you know, there are many types of listening and observing, from “Fake” to “Sort of” to “Intent”. While to stay constantly focused is nearly impossible, when I truly tune in, I learn many things – some important, some so-so, and some that make me want to scream. Being the quiet responder, I usually maintain composure until I can later rant to family, friends, or best, to the wind.
Take, for example Uber drivers. Having had several encounters, I have a bit of history from the talkative driver to the silent one, from the careful to the careless. As for talkative, the most gregarious would have to be the Christopher Lloyd look-alike in Seattle. He zoomed us around the city, weaving through traffic with ease, while resting his arm on the console and turning to face us as he pointed out important sights. Even with a seatbelt securely fastened I periodically envisioned a fiery pile-up. The finale included an exit from the freeway where he remarked about the overhead lighting, wondering just when they had put in so many lights. 50 years ago, perhaps? We jumped out and waved so long, glad to have reached our destination.
Then Cincinnati… Everything going to the zoo had been uneventful, however, when we dialed for a return car, problems ensued. The drop-off point not being the pick-up point, we chatted back and forth on the phone while trying to flag our driver into our vicinity. Knowing her name to be Lynnette in a blue Yaris, we shouted, “We see you!” to which she impolitely replied, “I DON’T see you!!” In time we wandered as she meandered and we eventually met up. As we swung the car door wide she remarked, “Don’t mind the mess.” And what a mess we beheld: water bottles empty and full, a mop bucket and mop, boxes and papers, and bits of garbage here and there. Remember, a Yaris is small as we squeezed amidst the rubble. Explaining she was helping her daughter move we rumbled through town, zigzagging and circling the hotel until we landed, kissed the earth, and speculated on Lynnette’s future with Uber.
In New York drivers told us about people who would not ride with them when they determined them to be “foreign”. Those from other countries offered insight about faraway places like Pakistan and Taiwan, assuring me that a visit to anyplace in the world would work out fine. I’m not so sure about some places, but then again, who knows? Many proved to be students studying here and surviving in the City by working for Uber. Others had been born in our country but had been assumed to be from elsewhere, but no explanation could be made. Many had marvelous career plans but needed extra cash and so… driving filled in.
In LA we had two drivers who lived in the city, both of whom sounded as if they hated it. Too crowded, no opportunity, too many visitors – and we were two of them! I wondered why anyone might decide to drive with those three negatives in mind, but never really learned. Yes, LA is big – and crowded – but that’s why many Uber drivers thrive. With a multi-language Siri as a guide, finding locations seems fairly simple, and with a region jam-packed with cars, I would imagine that doubling up for a ride is a good idea.
As for opportunity, it abounds if you are willing to take a chance and try something new. Vendors in arenas appeared content with their jobs; workers on construction sites laughed as they pounded nails or poured cement. Hotel employees greeted us as “old friends” (you can define the “old” part as you wish) and servers acted as if we were the finest customers in the world. As for shopping, of course, there is something for everyone and every shopkeeper met us with friendship. All of these folks had positive attitudes and outlook which makes such a difference. Maybe our two drivers should take a spin in a new occupation.
Our last driver in LA who operated the hotel shuttle was the best. I tried to picture an ever-circling pattern – hotel-airport-hotel-repeat, but he loved his job and his guests. Young, vibrant, and happy, he provided the perfect farewell from this bustling scene. Even among a throng he stood out as a success, someone willing to help and to offer a smile. Attitude counts.