Juan was my taxi driver from the Venezuelan border to
the Cúcuta airport. Our
total time spent together was about 20 minutes.
But in that time he would remind me again of the spirit behind one of my
favorite quotes from Nehru, “We live in a wonderful world that is full of
beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if
only we seek them with our eyes open.” I was trying to get out of Cúcuta
and back to Medellín as fast as possible. Sitting in the back of the taxi I re-read the guidebook’s
description and was reminded why. “It is a hot, uninspiring city…unless you’re
en route to or from Venezuela, there’s little reason to visit.” I was ready to zone
out on the way to the airport but Juan was talking incessantly, adamant in
showing off his city. “Cúcuta has really great clubs and good restaurants too!” His pride in his city was evident and his
attitude was infectious. He asked me
where I was headed. I told him back to Medellin
and asked him if he had ever been. I
noticed a sad smile on his face when he answered no and that he wanted to
travel one day, not only to Medellin but to many other countries. “But
it is difficult for Colombian’s to get visas to countries like yours…and besides
it takes a lot of money.” He paused for
a moment and then recovered quickly. “But
in the meantime, I am happy here. Like I
said before, there are really greats clubs and good restaurants. For example, up on the right there…” I looked
around the rest of the way to the airport.
On the surface, it was much like
the countless other small towns that I stumble through on the way to somewhere
brighter and better. But then I looked
closer and saw the families playing in their yards, the children laughing, the
workers enjoying their lunches. The people
were genuinely happy. When we arrived at
the airport, Juan jumped out of the taxi, grabbed my bag and shook my hand
wishing me safe travels. As I reached
for my wallet, he told me no, that it was on him and to use it to return
someday to visit the sites. It was a
really nice gesture. This was almost a
day’s wage that he was willing to forgo as a sign of good will to me. I gave him the fare with a large tip and
insisted, telling him to take it and put it towards a trip to Medellin. As I turned to walk away, I yelled over my
shoulder, “You have to come, they have really good clubs and great restaurants!” I heard Juan laughing as he got back into his
cab and drove back through the streets of Cucuta.
