I was away, you guessed. Checking out what other people are doing at the other end of the world, but I am back.
Got off the flight, collected my luggage and headed out the door to catch a taxi home.
A group on visitors was lingering in front of the terminal, waiting for their ride perhaps, and I asked a burly character leaning on the rails what was happening, I needed a ride I explained, where are the drivers?
I will take you, he said.
He straightened up, took my suitcase and opened the trunk of his car.
Big, shiny black, clean, with a loud, high pitch engine, Taxi 256.
I got in, and before I got settled the ringing began.
It turns out my driver is the dispatcher of Blue Diamond Taxi Center with about 70 members, he drives around, shuttling visitors, collecting money for the service, while also answering dozens of phone calls, from restaurants and resorts, desperate for taxis, while driving.
How does he do it?
The car is outfitted with an old-fashioned communication receiver and a microphone on a coil, the one you press the side button to speak, used by dispatchers circa 1970. And he was busy.
Willing, willing, three taxis to Barefoot.
Willing, one taxi to Palm Real
Willing, willing one taxi to Surf Club.
While I am sitting in the back seat, being driven home for $39.
I pointed out to him he was double-dipping and stressing me out with the crackling, ringing noises going on.
It’s not illegal he said. It is my job.
I went on the explain about taxi rides, which are supposed to be quiet and relaxing, but he did not buy my version of things, it was his job, he repeated, there are no other options, and he has been doing it for years. No one has ever complained, he said, hinting at me being a big cry-baby.
I couldn’t wait for the ride to end.
Cash only of course, in big letters, on the front and back windshield.
WTF.
The time before, on an earlier trip, I hitched a ride with a cash-only, and please have exact change because I cannot give you any change back, driver. He asked if I had dollars. He did not like to be paid in florins, he explained. He was speeding. I asked him to slow down.
Both rides, unpleasant experiences.
