On being Romanian #2
Well…a while ago I was waiting a cab at the Universitate. Many Bukresh people know that at Universitate sit many shark cabs, naming the Independent Taxi Driver (IDT). As I was waiting for a regular, company cab, a Cobalcescu or Confort or Cristaxi or any other reliable company, I’ve noticed a few foreigners, all men, probably 5 people, three middle aged and a couple of them younger. They were obviously very cautious in picking up a cab, looking around carefully; it was evident that someone told them in advance about the possibilities of being ripped off in Romania.
We all waited for about 1o minutes, then the guys above lost their patience and decided for a taxi driver that appeared more reliable to them -I don’t really know their criteria. It was the most expensive one in the whole parking lot. I have decided on the spot to help them, but doing good deeds to strangers is always unexpected. It was a sunny day; I was in a good mood, relaxed. So I approached them and said, in a kind of a British manner: ‘Excuse me, sir, I am a local and I would like to offer you a free advice’. Suddenly the younger guy turned to the others, rushed them in the cab and turned to me bluntly: ‘No, no, thank you’.
Well…I am sure many foreigners have heard lots of horror stories about my beautiful country, including the fact that young, cheap hookers fall off the trees and approach rich old guys in broad light of the day to offer them on the spot, right there a blow…up for only 1 penny. I do understand that, but it is so clear that stereotypes work both ways and are totally un-healthy…I would rather stop asking anyone how is there and there and figure it out myself, unless I miss some good stuff. Like paying lots of money for a short drive around, a good opportunity for the ITD to take you from Universitate to Romana making a round to Rahova and Colentina….but, hey, some people really deserve their lessons!
I almost felt sorry that I didn’t go to the ITD to ask him to rip them off on my account too…only to keep the reputation, so they will have something to tell about when they go back to their own countries.
(photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanjunell/38252391 
I would have appreciated it if someone had offered such advice to me before I got one of those nice cabdrivers at the Universitate. The nice thing was, and this isn’t a malicious attempt to deepen a sterotype, I was on my way to the hospital having just been bitten by a cute little street dog! The day got better after that..
But don’t give up on the altruism if someone mistakes your generosity for something else. Keep the faith!!
Comment by Emmet — April 25, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
Claudia -
They may have heard about the Tourist Police scam which always begins with an innocent comment from a local. I have been exposed to the scam at least three times, but since I knew about it I was able to avoid it.
As far as the taxis go I accidently got into one of “those taxis” and when I saw the rate on the dashboard I asked in (hooribly) broken Romania if that was the price and when he said “da” I IMMEDIATELY started saying “gata! gata! halt! gata!”
These days the taxis seem more honest is posting the actual price they charge and in having honest meters, but those prices can be whatever the driver wishes and the route may not always be the shortest.
John
http://www.AThousandBooks.us
Comment by John — April 26, 2007 @ 9:40 am
For Emmet: I am sure that nowhere else in an European capital you can have such an adventurous day
For John: I never heard of the Tourist Police scam, if you can enlighten us would be great.
Comment by darian — April 27, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
Darian, I’ll be in Bucharest in 28 days. if you see a blonde Amaerican guy standing at Universitate looking lost, then its me…come help me! I would appreicate the advice and the friendship I’ll even buy you a beer to say thanks!
Comment by Roger — May 11, 2007 @ 7:45 pm