Sommershield - Museu, 200 Mt

Came out from a long needed waxing session undecided whether to get a transport or walk home. But the winter darkness setting in early decided for me. As if by fate, I saw in the dark the unmistakable flashing blinker of a "txopela". Likely it was waiting for someone, because it wasn't parked properly, and it was flashing as if ready to leave. 

Got near him and stroke up a conversation. He was indeed, waiting for a client. Was willing to call for a colleague that would have to come from the direction I was going to, and that would take a while. Unfortunately, he didn't know of anyone who worked in the vicinity, but advised that I could probably just sign a "txopela" down at the main road down the block.

I doubted, because I had tried once before and I walked a long way before I could find a "txopela". Most of the ones passing were already carrying clients. But, I thanked him anyway and prepared to go on my way. I asked if he had a card. He asked for my number so he could message me with his number. I might get him another time.

I headed down the block to the main road. When I drove past this road earlier, it was full of taxis. I had even commented to my colleagues in the ride that when I needed a taxi in that road I could never find one. And as I had expected, now there was none to be seen. As if reading my mind, a voice in the dark shout out: "taxi"? I turned around surprised and repeated "taxi"?

The man, who was sitting on a side-walk bumper jumped up and confirmed if I really wanted a taxi. I asked if there were taxis there, because I could see none. He pointed to a car in a different color than the standard yellow and green. I walked to the car, agreed on the fee and got in.

"Are you disguised"?, I asked as soon as he started driving. He laughed and explained that the car was new and he hadn't had the time to paint it over. In any event, the taxis available at that time worked mostly with set agreements with companies, and now they were just "in the corner hanging out, passing the time and talking among friends." 

-"But is there a taxi square there"?, I continued.

-"There is", he responded, "it's just that the Municipality hasn't painted over after it arranged the sidewalk. But there is one from a long time ago".

He was talkative. Told me he was in the business at least three years. The square was there for at least seven years. He preferred to work for companies. I assume that it means a steadier income. I told him I was doing research on hired transport in Mozambican cities. He explained that the life of a taxi driver is not easy. "One needs to have the head on the right place, in order to manage the income", because there are days that one doesn't get a single ride. I told him I knew some people worked for other people. He agreed that indeed some managed to get a second car , and so hire people to help. But it was not ideal, because "you need to make your money and than the money for the 'patrão', as well. For example you can work for a week and make a lot of money, but still owe money."

-"So the goal is always to get your own car"?

-"That is the goal."

-"I heard of examples in which that can happen in 6 months, 1 or 2 years..."

-"Maximum 2 years. If you are really focused, that can happen in 2 years."