Cab Drivers in the Know

October 31, 2022

Cab drivers in Spain are an interesting group of people. Occasionally you will get the silent one, but most of the time, they like to chat. Some love to tell you about their city and the places you should visit, and some will suggest other towns you must see. They are usually a thoughtful and kind-hearted group of people.

A couple of weeks ago, I met a driver who was an artist and author. We talked about writing, and I told him I dabbled a bit. He gave me his business card and encouraged me to go on a writing retreat in the future. (Add that to the to-do list.)

Last week, I brought my friend to Madrid for a couple of days before she headed back to the US. I got up early with her and called a cab at 2:45 in the morning. Then I went back to sleep for a few hours and called my own taxi to the train station. Usually, I would save money and take the bus or Metro, but rest felt like a better option! It took about ten minutes for the driver to arrive. He explained that the traffic was terrible, and he had done his best. I thought I had given myself enough of a traffic buffer when I summoned him with the app, but I was beginning to panic a little as we drove. He asked me what time my train was, and I said, “10:15.” He assured me that he would get me there in time to have a cup of coffee before getting on the train. He skillfully dashed in and out of traffic without making me feel unsafe.

He was right. We arrived at 9:57. I had plenty of time to get through security and board my train.

When I arrived in Sitges today, I decided to get groceries first since it looked like the apartment I’d be staying in was a way out of town. (Funny. I was sure I had carefully chosen a place within close walking distance, but that’s another story.) I was rather loaded down with my backpack, suitcase, and two bags of groceries. My Cabify App would not work in Sitges, so I went to the taxi stand.

The driver who picked me up seemed happy to see me, almost as if we were old friends. We chatted a bit as we drove, and then I heard him sigh. I asked if he was tired. He then unloaded on me a bit about how hard it is to drive a cab and work with the public. I told him that I could relate. I had just retired from teaching. He then became enthusiastic and told me he has three children, 17, 19, and 24. He has insisted that they all receive some higher education to have a better life than he has. He commended me for teaching and congratulated me on my retirement. We found out that we are the same age, too. I felt like I had made a new friend.