Taxicab Confessions

Every time I visit DC, it seems that I am treated to a memorable cab experience. THis is a privilege I normally don't afford myself. In New York I am good to get on the train mostly anywhere. Plus I have been brainwashed in the belief that they will not stop for me. But in DC, late at night, it is the best way to travel.

The first trip, we were lucky enough to learn about the Eritrean independence movement. That young man used all his English to describe the passion with which he loathes Ethiopians. Other cab drivers have given us insightful and sometimes amusing comments on the city. Or they just joked along during our slighty inebriated exuberance.

Last week as Posh and I ventured home after purchasing late night munchies, we got into the backseat of one of DC's finest livery vehicles. As soon as she got in, Posh inquired about the price. She was really up front about the fact that she knew she was getting ripped off and was totally fine with it. She just wanted to know how much she was. She even kept pushing the guy to be honest about the rip off. Which he was, with a slight chuckle and nod. He stopped so that Posh could hit the ATM (hey it was her treat for me but I know I should have been at the ATM). And when she ran to the booth, we struck up a conversation.

In his stilted English, he said "I like her. She is...," and as he struggled with the words his hands, now free from the need to control the steering wheel, flailed around as if they could conjure the words from the recesses of his vocabulary. He finally offered "up front" right as I said "honest" in my efforts to assist. And when he heard my word, he began to emphatically nod and say "Yes, yes." I joked congenially that sometimes she was honest to a fault. And he chuckled along but he also shrugged. I read the body language and quickly agreed with what he did not say. "But its better that she is honest than to be false." Again identifying what he wanted to say, the passionate nods returned as he clasped his hands. "It is lovely."

I agree.