It seems so easy: press a button on your phone, order a taxi, and go. But it’s actually not that easy. Sometimes you come across such drivers that it takes weeks to come round. And taxi drivers have a whole bunch of stories about their clients too. I phoned a cab. We’re on our way, but the driver stares at me strangely. Suddenly, he starts asking about my family, my father’s career, and my brother. And I begin to feel uncomfortable.

I think, “That’s it.” But as soon as we pull up, he quickly asks if I recognize him. Obviously, I do not. He starts laughing and introduces himself as our neighbor from the first floor. There is another story!

I was late and had to call a taxi. I get into the car, and the air conditioner is on full blast in the cabin; it is literally cold. The driver had a cap and a down jacket on. I ask, “Could you turn off the air conditioning? “I’m freezing here.”

And he responds, “This is my first time driving this rental car. I got it this morning, and the air conditioner was already on. I don’t know how to turn it off, and the owner of the car doesn’t answer the phone, so I’ve been driving for three hours and freezing.” I put on my hat and gloves and buttoned up my coat. We drove silently for the rest of the way. When I got out, the guy continued to freeze.