I try to find a cab driver I like in the area and use him for rides as often as possible… familiar face, build relationship, try to help out, etc. my current favorite driver is a precious young man, married for a year to an absolutely beautiful young woman that works at the college. I had asked him to pick me up in front of where I live at 8:00 a.m. the conversation began with a phone call from him at 7:55. (Note: he barely speaks English and I speak even less Nepali)

Ram: mem road trouble

Me: ok Ram where are you?

Ram: home.

Me: ?????

Ram: mem are you there?

Me: yes Ram, when will you be here?

Ram: 20 minutes mem at Thamel front corner ( note this could mean numerous corners)

Me: 20 minutes at corner Fire & Ice ( extremely popular restaurant)?

Ram: yes mem

Me: you know Fire and Ice?

Ram: no

Me: ????

Ram: are you there mem?

Me: garden of dreams… do you know garden of dreams?

Ram:  yes mem, I’ll be there 20 minutes (he hangs up. I grab my stuff and walk the blocks with all my supplies to stand on the sidewalk and wait 30 minutes in the cold. I call:

Me: Ram, where are you?

Ram: I’m at your house Mem…..you coming?

EVERY DAY!!!!! Gotta love it!