Morning T and Slicers,
What a night: winds howling and still we had power so that I could keep up with the latest adventures of the Donald and then some time in the early morning hours Breaking News: Sessions Lied about meeting with the Russian ambassador! Jeff now on the hot seat. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. The wind, the Donald and my Jet Lag kept me rocking and rolling as I reclaimed my bed last night. In between the real world news I was back in Israel in an Israeli taxi cab
For 20 years, we took taxis everywhere. You looked forward to your conversations with Israeli drivers on both sides of the political spectrum. They shared their lives and insights into the “real Israel”. I sat back and just watched you in these conversations whether I could understand them or not. As we exited the cab our conversations were filled with their views. It was just another part of our Israeli routine.
Last year, on my own in cabs, as a single woman without Hebrew under my belt, I was seen as a patsy and it was my challenge to stand up to drivers who tried to rip me off. One guy drove me around and around Neve Tzedek one evening, to tick up his meter. He picked the wrong neighborhood. After 20 years of walking the streets, I knew where I was so when I screamed STOP! he was freaked out, playing dumb. I knew his English was better than he let on and even though I payed a bit more than I should have, that was my victory.
The second driver was even more outrageous. He offered me a deal at a train station offering a discount if I rode in the cab with three other travelers. I was hesitant but went for it. Ugh, a dumb American. As the car emptied each person exited without paying for their part of the ride. Lastly it was just me and as we turned down Ami’s block the driver was preparing me for a hefty price and I was preparing for a defense.
When he stopped the car and ticked up the amount I owed I went crazy and refused to pay it. ” I will not be ripped off. Let me go inside and get my brother. He’ll call the police.
“No! Just pay me… 50 shekels. ”
” Okay!”
HA!!
This time I used my own phone and downloaded the Israeli version of Uber, Get Taxi. The adventures were much more interesting… coming tomorrow.
Cheers for standing up for yourself. Sad that you had to be in these situations.
Go, Bonnie, go! I was wondering throughout if they had some kind of Uber, so I’ll look to see how that worked for you. I love the Uber choice, feel a lot better using them. What adventures you had!
Well handled – that cab driver picked the wrong person to fleece!
That’s my biggest fear when we travel abroad, dumb American, take advantage! At least you had Tuvia to teach you the tricks of dealing with these cabbies. Can’t wait to read next installment!
Tuvia had no issues. He was male, spoke Hebrew and had age on his side. Those drivers held him in high esteem. Me, I was just an American woman.
Good for you! I’d have likely paid it then fumed all week about it. I can tell how much you still miss Tuvia, but it’s good to see you moving forward and going places on your own.
Glad you’re picking up and going forward – good for you! But oh, did they pick on the wrong American – way to go!
Good for you, Bonnie! My parents took me to Israel in 1983 (so I have few memories of the trip), but they still talk about the way some people tried to cheat them. Argh!
Oh, the news of yesterday! (The news of every day… it’s getting to all of us, isn’t it?)
You are a strong women who could take on any cab/uber driver anywhere!