My friend Jan

Halloh. This is Jan. He's a cabbie in my little Soi. Moon Muang Soi 2. He has been operating from this spot for twenty five years. This is his second car, a 1981 Toyota with 585,000 kilometers on the odometer. He replaced the engine 10 years ago. He had the car painted two years ago. He has delivered me to the bus and train stations and the airport many times. There is no meter in his cab. When I ask about the price for a ride, he usually says, "It's aop too yoo". His cab drivers ID expired three years ago. He's not concerned. His car has seat belts but he says that because it is so old, it's not required to use them.
He has a delightful smile and laugh. We have a running joke, that when I book him for a ride a day ahead, he either forgets or finds a more profitable offer. Thats never a problem as there is always a Tuk Tuk available.
Last year, a Japanese group abruptly booked him to drive them to Pai for an overnight. He called his wife to say he would be back in one day. They fed him and booked him into a guest house. He laughed that he didn't have a change of underwear.
Jan is one of the reasons I love Chiang Mai. More soon.

Ducklass