Murat

I picked up my car today, paid the ransom. The nicest young man was my Lyft driver, taking me to auto repair. I ask (Curious George) where he’s from, almost as soon as I sit my tush in his warm Jeep. Turkey, was his reply. Merhaba I say to him. He whips his head around, looks at me and smiles big. YES he tells me, smiling. I love it, seeing recognition and appreciation on another’s face, two strangers smiling over a simple greeting.

Okay, now you need to teach me more. He teaches me ‘what’s going on’ and the shorter version ‘what’s up’. Nabar. He’s pretty proud I can roll an R with the best of them. (Lots of practice.)

He teaches me more.

The gth he tells me, as in ‘strength’ throws him a bit, in English. He gave other examples. He’s only been here two years, didn’t know English, and now he has an excellent command of our crazy language. Smart man.

This is so cool, brightens my day, enriches my life. Inconvenient car problems brought new people into my life, and I love people. Learning about others, this is a good life.