Sunday, February 22, 2009

How We Take Taxis in Russia

The whole "gypsy cab" process explained:



Here is what they are saying in English:

Putin: Good evening. Will you drop me off at the Kremlin?
Driver: Do you know the way?
Putin: Not very well. I'm from St. Petersburg.
Driver: How much?
Putin: Well, I don't know. 200? [About $6US these days]
Driver: Let's agree on 300 and go!
Putin: No, for 300 I will not go. Excuse me.
Driver: Okay, let's go.
Putin: Excuse me, may I? [These lights give civilian cars priority in traffic. Think Kojak. Except everyone in Russia has one.]
Driver: No need. I've got my own.

7 comments:

kate said...

Правда! But didn't you think he had his hand a little high at the beginning?

The Expatresse said...

Hee hee hee.

Anonymous said...

You know, I stopped a pretty nice car once (someone's driver I guess) and he had one of those siren things on the floor of the passenger seat. He was like "hopefully this doesn't bother you" and I was like "let's turn it on". I was joking, but he said "sure" - that was the fastest gypsy cab ride I ever had. Another time I got an off-duty cop in his forties who lectured me the entire time that attractive young women should not take gypsy cabs. I can't say I miss being in Moscow, but I remember those things with a smile.

Tina in CT said...

I am in agreement with the off-duty policeman. You never know what type of predator is going to stop to pick you up.

I was horrified when I visited my daughter and the next morning when we went out to the curb to hitch, my two year old granddaughter immediately stuck out her arm with her thumb up to hitchhike.

I was SO HAPPY when they bought a car.

Annie said...

Oh I love it. :)

Anonymous said...

Ok, so maybe, just maybe, your life is more exciting than mine. But mine has a responsible sun.

Tina in CT said...

Where are you? Out eating blinis?