Driving the Kindness Cab in New York City was most certainly a unique experience. Thrilling. Surreal. At times frightening. I still can't believe that I was a New York cabbie for one day. Not sure how many people can say that with a straight face.
I started my shift at 8 a.m. and picked up my last customer at 9 p.m. By the end of it all, I was exhausted. 13 hours in a vintage London taxi, driving the manic streets of Manhattan surely cannot be good for your health?
I drove uptown, downtown, midtown and everywhere in between. I drove and drove. And drove some more. Yet the day went by quickly. That's what happens when you are having fun.
I picked up 32 people and my daily take was $487. Since all the money goes to charity I cheekily added a few extras. Don't worry it all goes to a good cause.) The money that is racked up on the meter doesn't come from 'my passengers' pockets. It comes from the proceeds of my book.
Back to the cab.
My passengers included: a dog walker, a TV crew, an investment banker, a florist, a rather eccentric but lovable photographer and a second-hand car salesman who tried to buy my cab.
For me, the real beauty of the day was all the smiles on peoples faces when they got into the cab. It seems that getting a freebie really does make you happy. What I hope truly made there hearts sing with joy was experiencing something out of the ordinary. Something unique. Something designed to connect. That is what the Kindness cab is all about. Connecting people through the simple act of kindness. Simple. Powerful. Real.
Next stop: Washington D.C. and The White House. Really.
Schedule of Kindness Cab pit stops can be found at: www.kindnesscab.com, additionally use #thekindnesscab on Twitter to reach me there.