The Kindness Cab on BBC America

In 2006, a British chap named Leon Logothetis decided to travel across the U.S. on $5 a day without any credit cards, cash, or even a cell phone. His mission — to explore the U.S. and see what transpires when he relies not just on himself, but also on the kindness of strangers. After getting by with a little help from his newly found American friends, chronicled in his new book Amazing Adventures of a Nobody, Leon is giving back with a little kindness of his own.

At this time, Leon is somewhere between New York and L.A. driving a 1985 British vintage taxi, which he calls The Kindness Cab. He’s giving “free rides to all” or at least to those who find him by way of his website, Facebook page, Twitter feed, or a lucky encounter with Leon himself. His three-week journey across America started in New York’s Times Square on October 24 and will end in Los Angeles at the Hollywood sign on November 15, which also happens to be National Kindness Day. (Yes, there is such a thing. It’s the start of World Kindness Week. Yes, there is such a thing.) He will stop in the communities that helped him back in ’06, and the mileage money he collects in each city will be donated to a children’s charity.

I spoke to Leon from New York a few days before he set off on his trip. While he may be new to driving a vintage taxi, he is no stranger to travel, connecting with people, fulfilling his dreams, and finding a little calmness in a crazy world. If anybody seems well-suited to give Americans a lift, it’s Leon Logothetis.