Leonel Zolorsano Wins
Taxi Driver of the Year Award
By Paul Lyons
The Pelican Café, along with its partners, American Airlines, General Electric, Microsoft Corporation, Starbucks Coffee and Hung Sing Restaurant is pleased to announce that Leonel Zolorsano has won the Pelican Café "Guatemalan Taxi Driver of the Year Award." The award was presented at a gala event at the Hilton Hotel in Guatemala City on May 8th, 2006. In attendance were taxi drivers from all over Guatemala. The food was outstanding and the bar was open, so the people in attendance were speaking freely.
Jose Gonzales, who has driven a taxi for 20 years in Guatemala City, was surprised that Leonel was chosen for this prestigious award. "Why they picked this kid who is only 23 years old is beyond me. I mean driving a cab in a little rural town is nothing like the big city. I have been robbed, mugged, beaten up and I still know where I am going and have a smile on my face." But Frankie Diaz, who has driven a taxi in San Marcos for 12 years, said he thought Leonel was the right choice. "Listen hombre, Leonel is an awesome taxi driver. When he doesn’t know where he is going he asks directions. Who does that any more? He never drives like he is some Formula One race car driver and people tell me that he always smiles and gives the correct change." Manuel Caballo nearby commented that Leonel was the right choice. "I mean this guy goes the extra mile. If his cab breaks down, he borrows a car from a friend. If you got a ton of boxes, he figures out a way to strap them on the roof - first class guy." Arturo Vasquez also mentioned that he thought it was awesome that someone who is relaxed about his appearance won the award. "I mean, like Leonel is cool. He’s got long hair, cool jewelry and I think we need to as a profession just lighten up a bit."
Bill White from American Airlines presented the award of $10,000 in the form of a large, oversized check. Leonel on accepting the award said that he was truly honored. "The Pelican Café is a fine institution with a long and glorious history. I am soon to be a father as my wife is expecting twins. This award will help pay for the diapers and maybe I can get my taxi to the shop and figure out why it is not starting anymore."
The Pelican Café is a website and a state of mind. To read essays, watch movies and experience other material, go to www.pelicancafe.net
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