My Two Ahmets

As an urban dweller, I didn't own a vehicle for a long while. Once I became a reverse commuter it became necessary to buy a car. I enjoy the benefits of car ownership and the convenience of having the means to exit the city on a hot summer day. I enjoy my vehicle.

The moment I drove off the Honda dealership lot, I was determined not to have to deal with street parking. I didn't want to deal with smashed windows by petty thieves, side mirrors sheared off by cars racing down the street, the safekeeping removal of the radio, GPS system and EZ pass holder every time I parked the car, scratches, dings and the other by-products of city streets. And forget having to get up at the crack of day every other day to move it to the other side of the street to accommodate the street cleaners (that's an oxymoron in itself). So on the advice of a trusted officer of our co-op board, I leased a spot at Stable Car Parking.

Located four blocks south of my apartment building, it's an easy walk. For the princely sum of $325 a month, I am assured that my car is safely stored and monitored 24 hours a day. Each night I request its readiness at a certain time the next day and there it is, ready to go on my arrival. It's suffered nary a scratch in the last year and is fiercely protected by the coterie of nice Egyptian men who manage this garage space.

The two attendants that I interface with directly are both called Ahmet. There's Morning Ahmet who is friendly and giddy (the morning rush at the garage does require a certain fearless agility). Regardless, he makes the time to shoot the breeze with me and occasionally will have the car already running on my arrival. If I show up a few minutes early (as I did today), he will chastise me in good natured fashion for throwing him off his schedule. He's somewhat flirtatious and sends me on his way with an effusive wave every day.

Evening Ahmet is much more laid back. He's charming and conversational. When I arrive back at the garage at night, he comes out of the office for a few minutes to chat. He can tell when I've had a bad commute/hair/work day. If I get home later than usual, he will chastise me in good natured fashion for throwing him off his schedule. If I work in New York and don't need the car, I will telephone the garage the night before I need the car again. Evening Ahmet will answer; when I say, "Hello Ahmet," he will immediately say, "It's ready." I don't have to give my account number, I don't have to say my name, I don't have to request a time, he simply just knows.

Of course these two benefit from the largess of the holiday tip. As far as I'm concerned it's the best return I could ever hope to get on a C-Note.