From Afghanistan to San Francisco

The San Francisco Ferry Terminal building

When our Uber driver picked us up from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal building, we told him we had just taken the ferry from Alameda and he asked how much it was. When we told him the price he said that was great and perhaps he could take his children on it.

Then he explained he had six -- SIX children -- ranging from 20 years old to five years old.

Our driver, named Shafiullah, said he loved children, which is why he had many! One wonders how his wife feels about having such a big brood. Nevertheless, he said he enjoyed playing with them and liked how the youngest always asked for a toy when he came home.

Shafiullah later explained he worked as an Uber driver for three consecutive days. The family lives in Sacramento, and he drives up to San Francisco to find rides because they pay better, though it also means he sleeps in his car (parked in a safe place). 

He complained that eating in San Francisco was expensive; he also needs to eat halal food. He couldn't bring home-cooked food with him because it would spoil. It seems like he makes enough money? His oldest is in college now and hopefully will be able to help out with the family finances soon.

We talked a bit about the election and Shafiullah said that he recently became an American citizen and didn't know who to vote for. "I asked my friends and some say Trump, and some say Harris," he said. Really? In a deep blue state? 

I didn't suggest who he should vote for, but as an American citizen he should exercise his right to vote, and the first thing to do was register! He said his son, his wife, and he were eligible to vote and I encouraged him that they should take part.

He said he left Afghanistan seven years ago and terribly misses his family back home, though he said it is too dangerous for him to go back. A friend speculated perhaps Shafiullah was a translator who worked for the US Army and managed to get pulled out along with his family.

In any event Shafiullah was happy to be in the US despite the difficulties he faced. That's the American story, isn't it?