40 minutes into New Year's Day. There is a huge crowd on its way out. Had to hail a cab from the main road. Got a blue one to stop, but had to go through an interrogation before being allowed to board.
Cabbie .. Sorry about that. I had to ask because I have a booking at Dempsey Hill at 2am.
Me ....... (bemusedly) It's okay.
Cabbie .. Don't you get regular taxis that wait at the taxi stand?
Me ....... Yes, but they don't queue here on days like the weekends. They say they can easily pick up a fare around town.
Cabbie .. Ouch! That's true. So, you went to a party in there?
Me ....... No, I was working.
Cabbie .. Ouch! But you're off today?
Me ....... No, I will still be working.
Cabbie .. But you get paid double or triple?
Me ....... No, I get paid the same.
Cabbie .. Ouch! Then, why do you still work on a public holiday?
Me ....... Well, someone always has to work. Like you, and I ...
Cabbie .. Haha, that's true! I started work today at 7am!
Me ....... (incredulously) Wow! You've been driving since 7am?!
Cabbie .. Yes, since 7am! And I have a booking at 2am, 5am ... I usually work during the daytime only. But because tomorrow will be my off day, I want to work now.
Me ....... Aren't you tired?
Cabbie .. Yes, that's why it's best for midnight drivers to talk to passengers to stay awake! Haha!
Me ....... But some of them don't like to talk ...
Cabbie .. Haha, that's true. So, you always work this shift?
Me ....... Yes.
Cabbie .. Ouch! Then you won't have time to go out with your friends and socialise!
Me ....... Off days?
Cabbie .. That's not enough!
Me ....... (sniggers) It's okay, I don't like to socialise.
Cabbie .. Married? Boyfriend?
Me ....... No?
Cabbie .. Then you need to go out more often!
I wonder why I can't remember what I said at this point. It's possible I just grunted non-commitally. Ouch! Tee hee hee!
