They own the night

Mr. Family Orientation has been driving for the last 30 years. Enjoys talking to and observing the variety of people he meets. Will retire in 4 years and head to his newly constructed home in Puerto Rico. Plans to run his own little rickshaw company there, importing bright yellow rickshaws from India. Loves to watch discovery channel. Knows about the Bombay meal carriers. Told me among all the people he has met, he finds Indians to be the nicest. He likes them because they are family oriented. Feels happy that Indians in the US are going out a lot more than when he started driving; they are better integrated into society. Thinks Indian girls are very pretty, especially when they free their long straight hair.

Mr. Part Time has been driving a cab for the last 3 months. Brazilian who was traveling through the US and decided to stay. Has been working odd-jobs for the last 2 years while studying for his degree in art. Barely knows the routes, and very polite; not at all used to the ways of a cabdriver. Apologized when he missed the intersection, and offered to take 4$ off the bill. Asks me what I think of the United States. Thinks that Americans are too conservative and boring. Is learning to speak English, Portugese being his native language.

Mr. Chevrolet has roamed the city's streets in his yellow Caprice Classic since the year 2000. Came from Uganda. Thinks that there is good money driving a cab in the city. Loves cars. Asks me what car I like most. I say that the Audi is a car I like. He likes American cars. Thinks the Mercury is the best car. Spacious, big, fast. Also likes the Lincoln. Thinks European cars are too small - not good value for money.

Mr Big Shot has been driving a cab ever since he came to the US from Pakistan about 10 years back. Is a Civil Engineer. Owns a business. Drives a cab for excess money. Tells me that life is good in the US. Lots of money to be made. Asks me what I do. I tell him I work on a computer. Asks me how much I make. I tell him. Says that I dont make enough. Tells me I should change jobs or work as a consultant paid by the hour.