Friday, March 2, 2012

Unusual Experiences

ENJOY THEM
A  L  O  H  A !

taxi by Erik Sumo on Grooveshark



" The years teach much 
which the days never know.  "

Ralph Waldo Emerson





Yesterday
I had a rare
 experience:















I rode in a

 Taxi !













Grandma survived the Great Depression.
And though Grandpa WAS
a Taxi Driver,
RIDING in one
was what RICH people
do!

So if the distance is do-able
I will walk.

If the distance in un-walkable,
it is WAY TOO FAR
to ride 
with a ticking meter!


The exception is called:
"That's What Money's For"


When I was visiting New York City
in FEBRUARY,
and it is MIDNIGHT
and my domicile is miles
and miles uptown. . .


On a freezing night
under THOSE conditions
I will take a
Taxi.

Still,
It is such a rare occurrence
that I remember the name
of my LAST NYC Taxi Driver
over 10 years ago:
Kufor Frimpong.

So yesterday
I dropped off the vehicle
for repair
a million miles
from ANYWHERE
and had to call a taxi.

Relax!
I only took it
to the nearest Bus Stop.


Tomorrow's Post:
OMG! I rode the Bus!
(in Honolulu:


Of course I had to 
"Talk Story"
with the taxi driver
about MY days
(and nights :-)
as a Honolulu Taxi Driver.

(That's a LINK Baby!)


"Even when you're relaxing at home
after 12 hours driving
your mind turns to
what's happening on the street,
and how much money
you're losing
sitting on the couch,"
I laughed.


" That's right!
THAT"S RIGHT!! "
He laughed right back.


Then he added:
"WE need drivers.
You interested?"

And I realized that
I WAS!

The street get's into your blood,
and sometimes into the family line;
Just ask Grandpa.

Fortunately,
my Husband remembers
my adventures
as a taxi driver
(and owner)
better
than I do-


So if YOU
are laying on the couch,
or whatever
is YOUR equivalent,
and it's costing you
NO lost revenue:

ENJOY it!

So what do YOU think:
Should Cloudia get back
into the game?

Thanks for riding along!
I'd be very happy to mail YOU
a signed copy of my book
for $15 USD:

PO BOX 89582
Honolulu Hawaii
96830 USA
(Be sure to tell me who to dedicate it to)

Warmly, cloudia




19 comments:

G-Man said...

Get me to the Airport....
And Step On It!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeannie said...

If it is not usually dangerous, and you enjoy the people, and the money is ok, and you have the time...why not? Even if only for a few hours - the week's busiest - You can always quit again.

the walking man said...

You still have your scooter? Taxi people around on it and see if you still like the game. I bet you'd find a couple of folks willing to play...what is the cost of gas there these days?

21 Wits said...

Oh shucks, and I bought my copy from Amazon (not signed) last November (to read on the plane, which didn't happen)BUT it is a great READ people, and best of all I'll say this again!!! Is the informative Glossary that not all books have (and should) Now about driving taxi (TODAY??!) "Can or no can?(P)" You could but how about just giving us another great read! My Daddy drove taxi (in the good days) when I was a baby just as a second job so they could buy a bigger house...but in today's world I know he'd never do that again!

izzy said...

Oh what fun! yes Taxi- is a treat! I lived in the NY of C, growing up-
" Da Bus " was everything! (after feet)
I still go to have a walk about; and
A look see- Thanks.

Dave King said...

Yesterday
I had a rare
experience:

aint that the truth? No need for more!

Teresa said...

I think you would have fun driving a taxi... part-time, at least.

Myrna R. said...

I already have your wonderful book.

Don't think you should go back to Taxi driving. You may not have as much time to post your fantastic photos, quotes and snippets of your life. I would miss that immensely.

(My husband was a cab driver in N,Y. for a while.)

Nancy said...

I agree with Jeannie - if you want to do it and it isn't dangerous - go for it! On the other hand, if you like just soaking up that gorgeous sunshine and want to take life easy - why not?

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh, I think my taxi ride from Waikiki to Chinatown was $15 one-way; from Waikiki to Bishop Museum was around $22. Some of the drivers had only been in Hawaii a couple of months, the others were playing a chasing game to drive me, if they were taking longer than 30 minutes to fetch me. Around the eastern coast to a locals food restaurant was around $8. I tipped them well, so they weren't dodging me. Still cheaper than a husband or rental car chaos for me...DrumMajor

Indrani said...

That must have been a great experience.

Sandy said...

Like Karen I bought your book through Amazon. It's a great read...poetic and adventurous. My type of book! But it's actually more than that. Everyone should read it. I read it over a weekend. Have a fantastic weekend Cloudia. =)

Elephant's Child said...

Follow your heart. Only you will know whether you need/want to go back to driving a taxi. I suspect it is not the money it is the people you would meet which hss spurred your interest. You would meet a wide range of people AND they would be privileged to meet you.

Anonymous said...

Over here riding a taxi is not too expensive and many times people share the destination as the driver might pick up passangers on the way.
And yes, it remains a unusual choice for me as well though, mostly when going out to a restaurant or alike.
Anything under 4 miles I walk or take the public transport, if not on strike ;)
A safe road ahead for you and a good weekend as well.

RONW said...

gas prices are astronomical nowadays, so make sure you have a stall to operate from.

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Excellent skywatch

Trotter said...

Aloha Cloudia! Sorry for the absence, but time has been at a premium here... ;)

Get back!! ;)

Blogtrotter Two has reached April 2011; no trips, and posting delay is shortening... ;). Enjoy and have a great weekend!!!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I agree with the others Cloudia, if it's safe and if you really want to maybe you should to see how you like it. I would love a signed copy of your book, can you convert to Aussie dollars and let me know how I go about getting the money to you, cheque, money order??..exciting!!

Cloudia said...

Gas is over $4.22 / Gallon

Thanks Fares, er FRIENDS ! LOL