We knew where we were going. It's just a kilometer or so from our apartment. But try to tell that to the auto driver.
.JPG)
Brian hailed one down (while the girls and I stood to the side). He told him where we'd like to go. The driver seemed convinced Brian meant another road. Our apartment security guard, Robert Alex, got involved. They start speaking in another language and bring security guard #2, Renke, over. A guy carrying a hose is walking by. He joins the conversation.
Every few seconds Brian asserts he knows the place and can direct the driver. After a few minutes, fares are negotiated, Brian has made them all believe he knows the way and we get in.
Here, you can have an address. You can have a map. You can even have your iphone tell you where to go. None of that really matters though if you 1) are white, 2) can't come up with enough landmarks or 3) don't put the emPHAsis on the right sylLABle. Sometimes that means you get ripped off, overcharged or taken the long way. Sometimes it means you have help from every and any person within earshot of your American accent.
Today it was quite funny.
Brian hailed one down (while the girls and I stood to the side). He told him where we'd like to go. The driver seemed convinced Brian meant another road. Our apartment security guard, Robert Alex, got involved. They start speaking in another language and bring security guard #2, Renke, over. A guy carrying a hose is walking by. He joins the conversation.
Every few seconds Brian asserts he knows the place and can direct the driver. After a few minutes, fares are negotiated, Brian has made them all believe he knows the way and we get in.
Here, you can have an address. You can have a map. You can even have your iphone tell you where to go. None of that really matters though if you 1) are white, 2) can't come up with enough landmarks or 3) don't put the emPHAsis on the right sylLABle. Sometimes that means you get ripped off, overcharged or taken the long way. Sometimes it means you have help from every and any person within earshot of your American accent.
Today it was quite funny.
No comments:
Post a Comment