Taxi 1, 2 & 3

Taxi's. Wherever you are, they'll provide you with a good story. Or two. Or... -Famous examples are the taxi with a wheel missing or a taxi driver going for a walk to find some petrol.- It depends of course. How often do I take a taxi in Amsterdam? They are expensive - hardly. Your flat-mate isn't able to make use of one of her feet, that kind of occassions. So, no tales about Amsterdam taxi-drivers, although they have reputation of being rude. The Brasovian drivers certainly know what 'being rude' means. Is my experience...

I

Being in Brasov for over a month now, I can tell you what a 'regular' taxi ride would cost. An average ride is less than 1 Euro. And even when you're being overcharged, it won't that expensive, according to Dutch standards. It's about the principle though. So what are you doing when someone is asking you three times the amount you're supposed to pay? You refuse. And you're trying to explain in your best Romanian that...-ffft- a nice spit in the face, that might be your reward. But at least I didn't pay....

II

Did I mention that the drivers here can be quite rude? Well, if you're lucky, they can be very friendly as well. For an interview I had to go to a childrens' home. My chief-editor was paying the taxi and on my way back I asked the driver for a receipt. "Of course, no problem. Which amount of money do you want me to write down?" In my naievety, I looked puzzled and pointed at the meter. "You are not from here, aren't you? It's not for me, but for you. How much money do you want your boss to give you?" (...)

III

No wonder that one of the most famous Romanian bands is called Taxi. Plenty of inspiration. Off-topic? Maybe. But I managed to see them live. During a more-than-two-hour-lasting show called 'Holograf & friends'. Holograf is one of the other big names in Romanian music. Not to forget Phoenix and Vita de Vie. Definitely worth listening to and even more if the concert is free. No chance of being overcharged....