It has been barely three weeks since we were in Cancun, Mexico. We were out of the door again and heading to Austria and Germany. A great opportunity to experience these European countries during winter time.

Our plane was finally landing at London Heathrow Airport after several flight delays. Immediately, the feeling of anxiety started creeping in at the back of our heads. No, it was not because of the flight. It was because, after our connecting flight to Vienna, we had to figure out how to get from our airport to our hotel on our own.

It is something trivial for most people. Anybody would say, “get a taxi or get an Uber”! Alas, it is not as simple for us! We know that we will manage to get to our hotel. We simply worry about all the tiny things that will happen along the way. The final decision was to Uber our way to our hotel.

Our first Uber driver was a gentleman of around fifty or something. Maybe. He spoke mildly. Just asked for the PIN to our ride and started driving.

There was no obligation but we didn’t want to come across as rude customers. So, we said, “How is your night going so far, Sir?” He promptly replied, “I’m doing good. How about you?”, with a heavy German accent. Our driver definitely caught our accent and asked, “where are you from?” It was right after that that our driver was transformed to an impromptu tourist guide.

He started pointing out areas of interest. Stories were also told about the areas that he pointed out. There was some pride and lamentation about the one hundred year old processing plant just right outside the airport. He was proud that it provided high-paying jobs but also produced a lot of pollution. He would have toured us all over the city were in not for the fact that we had reached our destination. We felt gratitude for what he did.

Our second Uber driver was less conversant. Though, he was very much as helpful with guiding us along our route. We wanted a running start for Vienna. It was out of the hotel as soon as we finished storing our luggages. The lights were all lighted up at Weiner Christkindlmarkt (Vienna Christmas Market) at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square). We didn’t want to miss it!

A taxi came to pick us up after hailing for an Uber ride! We asked our second driver why he had a taxi signage. He ended up explaining at length that the local law required them to function as a taxi company. Hence, he was switching frequently in his role as an Uber driver and a taxi driver. He further stated, “I like to be a taxi driver. I get paid more. Uber, does not pay as much but helps fill in the gaps in between passenger trips”. Again, we appreciated him more for his effort to indulge in our questions despite having some difficulty communicating with us in English.

Our third driver simply stated, “My English is catastrophic!” It was a quiet ride going back to the hotel.

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