A personal blog exploring contemporary issues, ideas, and reflections on science, society, philosophy, and culture. Short-form essays, commentary, and curated thoughts from an inquisitive mind.
From My Corner of the World
This is my personal diary — a space where I try to make sense of the world around me.
You'll find short prose on contemporary topics that catch my interest.
What can you expect?
The best adjectives? … maybe, once in a while.
Flowery verbs? … not really my thing.
Haiku-like brevity? … I try.
Thanks for stopping by — hope you’ll visit again.
May 19, 2009
First impressions....
First impressions are lasting impressions they say but my recent experience tells me that its better not to form one quickly. Getting out of the Senegal airport after a long flight from Adis recently I was surprised by the manner of an especially helpful & polite bystander outside the exit gate. He gave me details on the way to downtown Dakar (also called Dakar Plateau) – route, time taken,nearby landmarks and even placed my luggage into the waiting taxi. Before I could admire his hospitality & say a thank you, the guy with a half cigarette in his mouth nonchalantly said “Monsieur that will be 750 Cifa” .
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Ha, ha, ha; new way to do a biz.
Indeed an innovative way.. I am normally wary of unsolicited assistants.. In this case, the guy was at least truly helpful, and did not seem to be a cheat or a thief. He took the risk that the customer may pay or may not, or may just pay something... Will give it to him.
I am curious to learn how you concluded the business with him Vasanth!
Initially I was dumbfounded Anuj, recollecting my wits with generous translation help from the taxi driver I bargained & finally settled for about 250 cifa (about 25 Rs)
:(>
:) I had a similar experience in Bucharest. One guy came out of nowhere, welcomed me and took me to his taxi. Finally, he charged double the normal fare! It was illegal taxi. I had no way of knowing since it was my first visit!
There's the Africa I know so well. :-) Nothing comes for free, not even directions. LOL
Post a Comment