Matt Harding Dances Around the World...

Taxi!

Not having a car (by choice), I tend to take taxi's around town - especially in winter... My rule of thumb is that everywhere in the downtown core is approx. $5.00 that is if they take the most direct route! I have been known to show the driver my money and say, "I know that from A to B costs approx. $3.50 the balance is yours if you don't lolly-gag". Does that sound cheeky? Whatever, I refuse to accept being taken for a "ride".

That said, the past 1/2 dozen rides I have had lately - due to inclement weather, I have endured one sided monologues (often in foreign languages)as my drivers speak on their cel phones. I was surprised at first but now have come to expect it. BUT when I recently hoped in with a boyfriend, I was surprised that my driver asked his permission! What was this? How considerate I thought until we left and I commented on the exchange. It turned out that this was in fact a normal occurrence for my male companion - something I had NEVER experienced when traveling alone.

Do the Taxi Drivers in Vancouver not respect women? Is the question of the week!
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