Buzz
I’m a big fan of ride-sharing platforms like Lyft and Uber, and I find myself using them often whenever I’m traveling or in the mood to explore the city. But my love for these services isn't just about convenience; I genuinely enjoy chatting with the drivers! I wouldn’t trade the endless stories, insightful advice, and even the occasional close call for anything in the world.
The Perfect Opportunity to Practice Speaking with Strangers
Striking up a conversation with a stranger might seem like an uncomfortable and challenging task—until it becomes second nature. You simply say hello, exchange a few kind words, and suddenly, you're engrossed in one of the most intriguing conversations of your life. Engaging with strangers is beneficial: it hones your communication skills, lifts your mood, and most importantly, it shatters the comfort bubble you often reside in.
Throughout various Lyft and Uber rides, I’ve spoken with a former police officer in Salt Lake City who was present during the L.A. riots, listened to stories of extravagant parties from a professional dancer in Hollywood who works as a background performer for music videos, and chatted with a man from Seattle about the challenges of raising four daughters in an urban setting. I also had a rewarding exchange with a young mechanic who had a passion for writing but lacked an outlet. I’ll never forget my conversation about diversity and film storytelling with an independent filmmaker from Mexico. And just recently, I was truly amazed when one of my drivers revealed they were a huge fan of Mytour and asked for my autograph.
Conversations like these transform an otherwise ordinary routine into something truly memorable and worthwhile. The people I've met along the way have given me valuable gifts: fresh perspectives. They've shown me different ways of looking at life and why we do the quirky things we do during our brief time on this planet. To me, this insight is far more precious than an $18 ride to the bar. But, of course, you have to be open to the experience in order for it to happen. I’ve found that even the simplest of questions can spark a conversation:
Been keeping busy lately?
How long have you called this place home?
How long have you been driving for [service]?
Ever been to [destination]?
That’s often all it takes. Many drivers are more than happy to engage after just one or two of these questions, probably because they're tired of the usual drudgery with rude passengers. However, I’m aware that my own appearance plays a role here: a benign-looking, six-foot tall, white male who seems capable of handling himself. I recognize that there are some truly awful people out there, including some drivers, and I’m mindful of that. But if someone seems friendly, give them a chance. Ask how their day is going. After all, what else would you do? Stare at your phone? Sure. Plus, it’s an effortless way to keep your passenger rating glowing or even improve it.
It’s a Fantastic Way to Discover Hidden Gems in the City
Not only do these rides offer a chance for great conversation, but they can also be a goldmine of useful information. In an age dominated by Yelp! and blogs, it might seem like every cool local spot is already discovered and reviewed, but that’s not always the case. There will always be places that slip under the radar, and word of mouth is often the only way to find out about them.
After a night of drinking and belting out songs in a karaoke booth, I had the pleasure of chatting with a private chef who also drives in his free time. During that fascinating ride, he shared a wealth of insider knowledge about incredible restaurants and hidden bars that I would never have found through a map full of digital pins. Later, on a longer-than-usual ride across town, I struck up a conversation with a woman from Kentucky who loved exploring historical sites. As we made our way to my destination, she pointed out several must-see spots along the route that I should check out later. I can’t remember much of what I did with my friends that night, but I do recall passing by the place where N.W.A performed their first live show, hearing strange stories about old Hollywood hotspots, and bonding over the high cost of rent.
It Can Turn into an Epic Tale
As I mentioned before, drivers come in all forms. Some are rude, others are just plain strange, some prefer silence and should be left alone (don’t be pushy), and then there are those who need help choosing a movie to watch with their mom. Enter “Enzo.”
Enzo picked up my friends and me outside a restaurant in what I could only describe as a car straight out of “Fast and the Furious.” It was sleek, and so was he (think Lucio from Overwatch.) Right off the bat, it was clear Enzo had a need for speed and zero regard for stop signs. We zipped through traffic and flew through intersections, which was terrifying but oddly fun in a ‘well, I’m not the one getting pulled over’ kind of way. After the usual pleasantries, I asked him about movies and video games, but soon his phone rang through the speakers. It was his girlfriend, and he was in hot water because he hadn’t picked a movie yet. Listening to their tense conversation while speeding down the road was uncomfortable, but eventually, Enzo roped us into the debate because we knew about the movies playing at the time. It was his mom’s birthday, and neither he nor his girlfriend could decide what to take her to see. After about 20 minutes of surprisingly deep film discussion, we decided they should go see The Martian. As far as I know, they did, and his mother had a great birthday.
Sometimes, though, you’ll get drivers who are so overly friendly and talkative, you’ll wish for the world to stop spinning just to get a break. After my grueling 12-hour flight from Tokyo, I was beyond exhausted and had no energy for small talk, but my driver, an elderly Chinese man, was determined to convince me to visit China. He spoke as though he wanted me to reverse my trip to Japan and go to China instead. He went on and on about the country, practically force-feeding me his homemade cookies (which I declined—and trust me, you should too), but all I could do was nod and mumble “wow,” “cool,” and “maybe.” As I got out of the car and shut the door, he called out “Go to China!” before driving off.
While these experiences were undeniably awkward at the time, I now find myself looking back on them with fondness because they’ve become excellent stories. I can always bring them up when a conversation takes an interesting turn, or when things slow down. Enzo didn’t nearly get me killed; he gave me a thrilling memory and finally answered the age-old question: 'What’s it like to be both fast and furious?' And as for the kind Chinese man, while his enthusiasm may have grated on me during my exhausted post-flight state, I’ll always appreciate how sweet it was for him to offer me his homemade snacks. In fact, I kind of want to visit China now. Well played, sir.
