Caught at Van Buren and Wabash. I looked at the posted license in the back window, so I know his name…it starts with an “A.” But I’ve decided not to use names in these encounters unless the drivers and I exchange them…usually with a handshake. Its sort of a rule. Just like how I don’t voluntarily start these conversations….I see if the drivers do.
“How do you get there?”
“90/94 going north.”
“Its raining really bad out there, yes?”
” I know…I was really happy to see you come along.”
“You were waiting long?”
“About 5 minutes…but it seemed like a long time because of the weather. Are you busy tonight?”
“Not really, but I usually have a lot of work downtown…with the visitors and activities. Where are you coming from? your job?”
“Yes, I was teaching tonight.”
“Is this your living? the teaching?”
“Well…I’m an artist…but teaching is how I pay my bills.”
“Oh really…what kind of art do you make?”
“Photography…..video….sound…..I like to tell stories, or at least have people tell me their stories.”
“You’re not recording me now, are you?!” (laughter)
“Oh no, no.”
“Is it like video documentaries?”
“Maybe in some ways.”
“I’ve only been working here for 3 months.”
“Where are you from?”
“From India. I was in Detroit for 3 and a half years with a friend, but then I came here.”
“Why did you come to Chicago?”
“I don’t know…its just better. Detroit is a very difficult place to live. Here, there is so much more life, so much energy, you know?”
“Where in India are you from?”
“Hyderabad.”
“Do you take off for Thanksgiving? Cause I know there isn’t a lot of business.”
“Oh no…since I’ve only been here for 3 months, I have to work all of the time.
He misses my exit. So I say to take the next one. We’re riding on Division and I ask if he ever works over here, b/c with the nightlife it would be easy to pick up rides. He says he goes where ever the night takes him. He usually starts downtown, but likes Division St. We discuss all of the good sushi restaurants.
The windshield keeps fogging up and he keeps wiping it with the sleeve of his white sweater. I want to tell him that if you turn the AC on it will clear up right away. Take the moisture out of the air. But I don’t….b/c maybe he already knows that and the AC is broken….or maybe it would be insulting.
“I can’t believe this weather.”
“I know. I’m going to see my family in Alabama for Thanksgiving. My mother tells me it will be 50 degrees, which may be chilly. But I think 50 degrees will be like a vacation!”
“Alabama? My sister used to live in Alabama. Now she’s in Atlanta. Georgia. I’ve never visited her there. I could tell you had a different accent.”
“I think my accent has gotten very confused. A southern drawl mixed with Chicago midwestern. I bet it sounds really strange. Over here to the right is good.”
“No, its different. Its like you sing when you talk. You talk very different. Its kind of nice. Most people don’t talk in here period.”
“Really? Well thank you for the ride. You have a good night.”
” Yes, thank you. You too.”
Leave a Reply