I was away for a few days and was scheduled to return to work tonight. But I just got a call from the garage that they already have too many drivers for the day, and would I mind not coming in? I never really mind not working, except I am, of course and as usual, desperate for money. So now I'm not scheduled to work until Sunday, though I'm gonna try to get them to give me a cab on Saturday night as well. This means I don't really have any new pictures to post or stories to tell. I'm digging up the dregs here with this picture of the foot bath in the women's bathroom at the JFK holding lot. At least I
think it's a foot bath. The only reason I assume this is because I've seen men washing their feet in a similar contraption in the unisex bathroom at Laguardia's US Airways holding lot. From the looks of it, this foot bath in the separate and pristine women's bathroom at JFK remains unused. Perhaps I'll use it next time I'm there and try to figure out what the point might be.
13 comments:
I've never been to New York, but after reading your blog, I think I'm afraid to. Just kidding. I find that your blog is interesting and funny. It's interesting to see life from the perspective of a cab driver.
Thanks for reading!
your blog is fascinating. i always wanted insight into the world of cab drivers. and luckily you are a very humorous and eloquent writer.
could you tell me what is your opinion of picking up African-American riders or other people of color? and/or what is the general attitude of your fellow drivers?
thanks!
me too i'm mp. remember me? i remember you, and what's more, i miss you, and what's more, this is a great f-ing read. thanks, mp!
your pal,
mp
great blog. your antics and anecdotes for your job help make my incredibly boring job a little less so. Hope you keep it up!
I think this blog is fantastic. Please keep the posts coming. And where did you go to school? You write very well and your sense of humor translates well on the page.
They called you "whitebread"
ROFLMAO - out of curiousity, what were (race) these kids that you dropped off at 86th and 3rd ?
A question I've always wondered: what is an acceptable tip for a cab ride? I've usually tacked on an extra $1, but is that enough?
I'm so glad you all like the blog. I'll try to answer as many questions as possible. My opinion regarding picking up African-American passengers is that I don't have an opinion about it. I pick up whoever hails me unless they are drunk or disorderly. These are the only people taxi drivers are, by law, allowed to refuse. And that is what I do. I couldn't live with myself if I operated any other way. I've seen plenty of cabs pass right by black people who were clearly hailing them (and who were not drunk or disorderly), and I think it's an incredibly fucked up and heartbreaking thing to do. I will say, though, to be fair to teenagers in general, that the few times I've been stiffed in the cab were with older white men. Assholes come in all shapes, ages, genders, and colors. But mostly they come from New Jersey.
As for tipping, give me time. I plan to address the issue at great length in a future post. You will be so bored. But for now I will say that 15 to 20 percent of the fare is an appropriate amount, just like in a restaurant. Of course, over-tipping is appreciated and encouraged!
And now on to this mysterious other "M.P." It's driving me crazy trying to figure out who you are. I have one guess, but I'm not sure. Give me a clue! Write me an email, okay?
Amazing Blog! Keep it up, these stories are great!
hey there MP. i bet the foot bath in the women's bathroom is for muslims preparing to say their prayers. are there many devout muslim female cab drivers? xoxo.sm.
nice blog!
Do you know the book Drive by Shootings : Photographs by a New York Taxi Driver by David Bradford?
Nice guy, he is still a taxi driver.
With such ordinary stuff of daily life you are able to produce a writing of extraordinary appeal. Where do you think eloquence in your writing comes from? Just a straight truthful account? There are hundreds of real life descriptions available. Because it is humorous? There are plenty of idiotic sit-coms around? Perspective of a yellow cab driver? Go to Bombay and hear endless (formless) stories from black and yellow cab drivers. Nothing comes close to the kind of humane truth you are able to evoke. I make films and sense I know why - alas, I cannot formulate. Wish you a million yellow insights.
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