Taxi Teacher

First published February 19, 2009

 A taxi driver named Tarek has adopted us. We didn't realize this until he asked us how long language school lasted during our first ride. We told him. When classes were finished, he was waiting for us. The next morning he was at our apartment. This has continued over the last several days.

He's intensely curious about our Arabic studies. He speaks fairly good English so we can converse between the two languages. As he drives, he points to things and tells us the Arabic word for them. Then he has us repeat them. He can cram a LOT of words in a 10 minute taxi ride. After class, he quizzes us about our lessons. He looks at John's notes and handouts and asks questions about them. John must then respond with the proper Arabic response.

This morning, he actually had letters written down for us to recite when we got in the car. He's very happy that he's teaching us and he says that he "doesn't even charge us any moneys." Tomorrow we will be learning our colors. I just hope he doesn't assign homework.