Taxi
Today, I got into a taxi. I was in a bit of a rush to make a meeting, but the driver made a small mistake and we got stuck in traffic.
Due to this error, I ran about 5 minutes late. The tab came to 1,380 yen. The taxi driver apologised profusely, and when I tried to pay the bill, he would only accept 1,000 yen. I insisted, but he was unrelenting. We thanked each other, and parted ways.
Now that I have lived in Japan for a while, the line between Western culture and Japanese culture is starting to become blurry. I get the feeling this wouldn't happen in Australia "Whoooops, missed the bloody turn mate! No worries I'll chuck a you-i. Loads of bloody traffic too eh! That'll be $20." But it's getting hard for me to remember.
I think I need a good dose of western culture to set me straight. Perhaps I could find a mechanic to overcharge me, make excuses, fix my car late, and do a crap job. Home sweet home.
They have aussie taxi drivers in Sydney now?! Im sure it would go something more like this:
you: to Circular Quay please..
taxi driver: *thick indian accent* what is, what is the "cirrcular keyy" ,sir?
you: ugh, go that way *pointing*
*driving for a while, and then driver missed a turn*
taxi driver: *thick indian accent* oh no sir! i missed the turn, sir.. gollygosh!
you: er, what are you doing?
taxi driver: *something unrecognisable, probably inidian*
you: ?#%?!
*driving more until you finally get there*
taxi guy: *thick indian accent* that is going to be $30, sir!
you: ?#%?!
Posted by Simon — 19 Nov 2005, 09:37