I Wish Peace on Your Day: Insights from the front seat of the taxi

We all have stories to tell. Taxi drivers have stories which are more striking than most. Perhaps it's because they have an ever changing audience by which to refine the telling. Or perhaps it's because in our communities these are the people who have come from places and backgrounds which are difficult, full of conflict and hardship. Not every taxi driver wants to tell their story but the ones who volunteer something of their background proved illuminating to the human condition. Whoever we are and whatever our backgrounds we discover not only uniquely profound and remarkable tales of endurance but we uncover the themes which unite us all, whatever our circumstances. The taxi driver stories were all written immediately after the conversation. They were initially an exercise in keeping my interview techniques refined. They quickly became the source of fascination and delight. And a way to connect to people who serve us but whom we often ignore.