I had a fantastic time in New York City last week. I got to spend time with one of my college roommates and her husband (Mark’s former roommate), catch up with Marfriends, sightsee, attend a really fantastic gala, and participate in the board of directors meetings (the reason for the trip). There was an incident I wish hadn’t happened though.
Thursday morning I needed to catch a cab from my friends’ apartment to my hotel. I thought I’d written down the intersection of the hotel, but I hadn’t. As soon as I got into the cab, the driver began to yell at me. I explained that the hotel was across the street from a very famous place, but he didn’t know where that was. I called the hotel, got the intersecting streets, argued with the driver some more, and we were finally on our way. Not a block later, we were cut off by a father on a bike with his baby in back. My driver acted like he was going to hit them, then screamed obscenities. I really didn’t understand what the big deal was….this is NY, people cut each other off all the time!
A few minutes later, another taxi cut us off. My driver flew into a rage, screaming really awful things and trying to hit the other cab! The other driver started banging on my door with his fist and screaming right back. He moved away from us and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Until my cab driver chased him down.
Yes. My driver followed him and chased him down for blocks, till he could box the other driver in. At first they were just screaming expletives at each other. Then, the other driver realized I was in the back seat and suggested to my driver that they just get on with their day, seeing as it’s kind of rude to put your passenger’s life in danger by trying to get even with other taxis and all that. (Well, he didn’t exactly say that but it’s what he meant!)
What does my cab driver do in response? Spits at the guy! That’s when the other driver gets. out. of. his. cab. and. gets. into. ours. He climbed most of the way in via the open window.
At this point I am thinking “please, no one have a gun.” The other driver proceeds to yell “kiss me! kiss me!” as my driver spits on him and screams. Finally, the other guy gets in his cab and drives away.
I was never so glad to arrive at a destination!
