Friday, March 31, 2006

Huh?

Was in a cab the other day with a driver who had the radio turned up a bit louder than I'm used to. And fine enough if the speaker was only up with him, but there was a speaker in the back, just behind my head. It was music, not talk radio, so I lived with it, at least the music was good. But then he asked me a question. I could tell because he turned towards me a bit and sound was coming from his mouth. I put my hand to my ear and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." So he repeated it, in the same tone, unfortuantely. "I'm sorry, I CAN'T hear you" was my next reply. We did this a couple more times before he finally figured out the radio was louder than he was.

The question he was trying to ask me?

Is the music too loud?

LOL

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

How much is that fare again?

I know there's a fee for calling a cab. And I do that on mornings when I just know I'll be late otherwise and I'm desparately trying to make a meeting.

My regular cost is $11 ; $12 for rush hour.

I've been charged $13, $14 and today $15 for a cab that has come to pick me up.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Fun With Languages

One of the oddest drivers I ever had was a fella one evening who played a little game with me, without telling me up front. Good thing I was in a good mood LOL.

I got in the cab, gave my address (wisconsin avenue) and we set off. He started speaking a foreign language. I shrugged my shoulders and said "I don't understand" and he said"Wisconsin avenue" and went back to driving. We went for a while, then he started speaking again. I repeated that I didn't understand. He repeated one word a couple of times, pointing to himself, so I figured it was his name, so I said mine. He nodded, then said "Wisconsin Avenue" again and kept driving. After a bit, he started speaking his language again. I just smiled and let him talk. Once and a while he'd say "Wisconsin Avenue" then keep talking.

Finally, we were nearing my place and were at a stop light. He said in clear English, "you're a good sport, one man asked to get out of the cab when I played this game." He said he does it once and a while when he's bored (I'd imagine it could get pretty boring sometimes). But he makes sure to always repeat the final street address so folks know he knows where he's going and don't panic.

Interesting ride.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Yes I Have a Boyfriend, even if I don't

Just because I've signaled for a cab and I'm traveling by myself, it doesn't mean I'm looking for a date. But how many times have I gotten into a cab and had the driver ask, after a few minutes, if I'm married. Do I have a boyfriend?

No, I do not want to go out with you. I don't know you. I know the back of your head.

What IS this? I don't get hit on with such regularity by clerks in the 7-11, or by repairmen in my apartment, or by bus drivers or guys on the metro. I may be in your car, but your car is an office space.