Taxi drivers in Singapore could probably be divided into two broad groups - those who can't stop talking and those who don't even bother talking. Depending on one's mood, of course, there are pros and cons to either.
When I feel a little upbeat, it would be great to have someone to share that "upbeatness" with - and a taxi driver who talks a lot would be good company as I traverse the island. When I don't feel like talking after a long day at work, those who talk a lot could either lift up my spirits or make me feel even worse. It's a gamble, really.
There are some instances, however, when I hit upon one that somehow sticks with me.
This taxi driver is one of those who can't stop talking. As soon as I got into his cab, I got the customary "Where are you from? You don't sound local but you look Chinese. Let me guess: Korean? Japanese? Taiwanese? American? Australian? Filipino?".
And then he launched into this tirade on how prices are increasing, how more and more foreigners are coming in, how space is becoming limited - but still people are flocking in driving costs up, and how the Iraq war is not solving anything.
I was not in a very upbeat mood at that time.
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So I just responded with one-liners: "Yeah". "You're right." "Really?" "How interesting."
Then suddenly he asked me that question: "So why are you in Singapore?"
"I thought it would be a great idea to be here."
He asked me back, "You think? You mean, you're not sure..."
I chuckled a little. "These days, no one's sure about anything anymore. As you said, things are changing - prices are going up, companies are on shaky ground, the economy is slowing, rents are up, competition is heating up. Who knows what will happen tomorrow?"
And his response was what struck me: "Boss, if you don't know why you're here, then you better start thinking why you're here. There is no point in being here if you feel unsure. Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow - but you can choose. To be here or not to be here."
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