This Should Have Originated From Ajijic, Mexico---3 Recent Mexican Cab Rides
The explanation is due to both Google and Yahoo's refusal to recognize the computer I had brought along. They kept wanting to send me verification codes to my American telephone number. A number of other insane, inane security obstacles told me I would be waiting until my return to once again communicate with the greater taxi world and community. But before I briefly describe where I was, I will relate my 3 Mexico cab rides shared with that famous personage of these pages, "she-who-can't-be-named." Does anyone really know how to operate a cab? Mostly don't, from my experience.
We flew in from Oakland, CA to Guadalajara, Mexico (population 1, 385, 629), our ultimate destination Ajijic, Mexico. Arriving early in the morning, about 4 AM, via Volaris Airlines (I don't recommend the airlines), we took a cab for the 24 mile (38 kilometer) ride to Ajijic. Cab ride was 550 pesos ($32.00). The guy was a ten-year veteran, guessing correctly his years in the profession. Hard to fool me! He was okay but drove past our turn taking us to the center (el cento). We had to guide him in but that shouldn't have been necessary, Ajijic American/Canadian well-known "gringo" land. Dropping us off at the main plaza, I gave him an additional ten dollar bill. I liked him despite everything. C plus grade for this ride.
Our second cab was a few hours later to our Airb&b apartment. Having our bags, and tired from the trip, we took what was at most 3/4 of a mile ride. It was a rip, 70 pesos ($4.00). The younger driver was terrible but saved our legs. D plus cab ride.
Third cab ride was February 1st back to the aeropuerto, this time 600 pesos, and I gave the rookie driver (2 years on the taxi road) a 300 peso tip. We thought we were getting the experienced Arturo, a cabbie recommended by Bob and Nora, local gringos but instead we got Lalo, his employee, 22 years-old. Not the best driver of cars, unnecessarily tailgating and not passing when he had the opportunity. Friendly kid. At least to he got us to the airport minus delays. In reality, barely a cabbie. C minus taxi grade. Has potential if he doesn't first kill himself and his passengers.
Arriving an hour late in Oakland, we took the BART to my car parked in North Berkeley at my old friend's Jake's house. Thanks, Jake! From there we drove back to the Udupi Palace vegan Indian restaurant. We had eaten there before we took off for Ajijic. Very good. 1901 University, Berkeley. Telephone number 510-843-6600. Small place. Very Busy. Delicious food.
Why Ajijic?
More detail on the trip later. This was her second time around in Ajijic, last March having gone solo minus the "donkey" as I am called. I am her favorite pack animal. She loves both sunshine and pickleball, something offered in plenty in Ajijic. Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest lake, 48 miles long and 10 miles wide, is a wonderful place to sit by and watch a profusion of birds. Sunsets from the shoreline worth the trip.
Olympia, Washington Cabbie Found Stabbed at Southcenter Mall Mid-January
Accessing my email, friends had sent me news items documenting this tragedy. Driver from Redicab was found dead on the street, his cab stolen. Nickolas Frank Hokema, age 34, had been driving a cab since 2016, enough time to know the "ropes." His cab has since been found but not the murderer. First area cabbie murder in a long time.
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