Angel ChaCha

Last week I was visiting Ecuador with my family and after finishing up with a meeting I called for a taxi to take me home, a ride that I had taken many times.
 
A small red car arrived, driven by a very thin and petite driver who had a huge grin stamped on his face; the scene resembled a part of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and the driver reminded me of Cheshire, the smiling cat.
 
When I got into the car; I could feel his grin following me.

I asked, “him how much the fare would be?”
With a quick response he said “3 dollars”
“Do I look like a gringo to you?” I replied. “Normally I pay 2 dollars.”
“No problem” he said “if that is what you pay” with a smile.
 
Immediately we began a nice conversation…
 
We talked about the government, about his life, where he comes from and about carnival.
 
He comes from an area, where carnival is the most important event of the year, Gualaceo; a festival held before Lent every year and considered the largest of that kind in Ecuador.
 
"Have you ever been there?” he asked me.
"Never," I said
"Well, Gualaceo is where we know how to celebrate," the driver replied
 
The way that he described the town’s celebration, in such detail and enthusiasm made him a natural promoter and a great entertainer.
He talked to me about the people, the town, and the drink. “El Pajaro Azul,” the Blue Bird. "Have you ever tried?" he asked.
"No," I said.
 
"Well El Pajaro Azul is a happy drink, after 2 shots, you will forget where you are and just have a good time."
 
We both laughed.
 
I asked: "so my friend, what is your name?”
"Angel Chacha," he responded.
"Wow, Angel Chacha, what a great name," I stated.
 
"It describes exactly who you are!"
"Angel, you are a kind man with a great attitude
Chacha is a type of dance and you live in a continuous festivity."
 
We both laughed again…
 
I said to him: “What a great attitude you have; your mannerism, your smile, your frame of mind… If people will only understand that all it takes to succeed in anything you do is to have the right attitude."
 
Before getting home, he said:
“In all my years as a taxi driver you are the 5th person that complemented my attitude and I really appreciate it; thank you.”
 
"Thank you!" I said: "You are a good man."
 
When he dropped me at home I gave him 5 dollars, double the fare he was expecting and I told him: “I tip for great conversations; thank you Party Angel…”
 
Remember: Attitude is the little secret that you need to succeed in anything you do.

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