My Amazing Cab Ride with Amadou Diallo
Can you imagine getting into a NYC taxi, and being shocked to find your driver is “the” Amadou Diallo? Yes, that Amadou Diallo, from the infamous police scandal? And chatting with this incredibly kind and generous man about the police, as well as his country Senegal, upon which he invites you to stay at his brother’s mansion in Senegal? A wild, amazing, surreal coincidence. If you can even imagine…true story.
I hailed the 1st yellow NYC taxicab I saw on 2nd Avenue. As I gave the driver my destination, I glanced at the name license. It read “Amadou Diallo.” I asked him “Are you THE Amadou Diallo, the one in the news?” He smiled and said “Yes, that’s me. I’ve already been asked 3 times today, but no problem. The cops treat me really nice now.” I was in total shock. “Wow, what a wild-dreamlike sequence. Is this really happening? Am I dreaming awake?” How gorgeous, majestic, and surprising life is in moments like these…
Amadou and I became good friends quickly, chatting the whole ride. He is one of the kindest human beings I’ve met. He’s lived 33 years in NYC, going home twice a year to visit his country, Senegal. “Senegal is one of the most peaceful countries, in my town no one has guns, it’s a wonderful place. Come to Senegal, don’t bring any money, you can stay for free at my brother’s beautiful house on the river, bring 15, 20 friends, your family, whoever you want. The people in Senegal are so kind, you’ll eat fresh seafood and fish from the river, we catch it daily from the river. You’ll eat and stay free.” Amadou said first to research Senegal on seneweb.com, so I can get more info. And when I booked a ticket one day, I could call him, and his brother could pick us up from the airport! Unbelievable kindness!
I’m still feeling a slight shock at this amazingly, coincidental lucky meeting. How we meet kind, open-hearted, and life-loving people, when we open yourself up to life’s gentle flow. When we’re open to the “little miracles” of the universe.
Anyone want to come to Senegal?
xoxo