I lost 20 bucks*** at 19 years old when taking a taxi from somewhere in NYC to Times Square on New Years Eve. The Pa Barker on the sidewalk said he worked for the taxi company, and we needed to pay him for the taxi first. I was with a dozen people, 11 of whom were complete strangers. I knew better, but the mood was: "just pay him. It's freezing!" I gave him the 20. A taxi showed up a minute later....
The taxi driver laughed when he said: "Of course that guy doesn't work for us. You got scammed. My fare is...."
***The 11 friends of my friend had ample supplies of alcohol, so it was really a party fee....
Bill, I highly recommend a car service for all your airport needs. I am certain the ROT travel department can hook you up. Granted, this would eliminate your interesting and entertaining columns on airport parking, but there are many other travel topics worthy of your attention.
Mike, I think you're right, of course - I've Uber'd to the airport many times, and those trips are typically a smoother experience, but, much less column fodder. Also, ROT's travel department always insists on low-cost solutions - friggin' beancounters!
I have had moments of panic when trapped in a parking lot exit line behind someone fumbling with the credit card payment. My fear is not the extortionists' scam, but rather that I will be there for the REST OF MY LIFE. This is similar to the fear of being trapped in a subway in the dank, dark, deep tunnel of Chicago. Instead of being stuck all alone, I realize that there could be a community in this subway car and I wonder who will become my friends.
You’re so right, Liza - I’ve been there - you just wanna’ get out of the car, and dash up there and do it for them. It’s been a very long time since I rode the subway in Chicago, but I don’t think I would have been comfortable with striking up a friendship with any of my fellow passengers.
I lost 20 bucks*** at 19 years old when taking a taxi from somewhere in NYC to Times Square on New Years Eve. The Pa Barker on the sidewalk said he worked for the taxi company, and we needed to pay him for the taxi first. I was with a dozen people, 11 of whom were complete strangers. I knew better, but the mood was: "just pay him. It's freezing!" I gave him the 20. A taxi showed up a minute later....
The taxi driver laughed when he said: "Of course that guy doesn't work for us. You got scammed. My fare is...."
***The 11 friends of my friend had ample supplies of alcohol, so it was really a party fee....
. . .and a good lesson to be learned.
Did you check all the local Wanted posters for MA Parker? There might be a reward.
$$$$. . .
Bill, I highly recommend a car service for all your airport needs. I am certain the ROT travel department can hook you up. Granted, this would eliminate your interesting and entertaining columns on airport parking, but there are many other travel topics worthy of your attention.
Mike, I think you're right, of course - I've Uber'd to the airport many times, and those trips are typically a smoother experience, but, much less column fodder. Also, ROT's travel department always insists on low-cost solutions - friggin' beancounters!
I have had moments of panic when trapped in a parking lot exit line behind someone fumbling with the credit card payment. My fear is not the extortionists' scam, but rather that I will be there for the REST OF MY LIFE. This is similar to the fear of being trapped in a subway in the dank, dark, deep tunnel of Chicago. Instead of being stuck all alone, I realize that there could be a community in this subway car and I wonder who will become my friends.
You’re so right, Liza - I’ve been there - you just wanna’ get out of the car, and dash up there and do it for them. It’s been a very long time since I rode the subway in Chicago, but I don’t think I would have been comfortable with striking up a friendship with any of my fellow passengers.
Sounds like a scam the more you described it. yikes, they're everywhere, even a parking lot gate can get you
Gotta’ be ever-vigilant in the big city. . .
Thanks for the heads up on the Ma Barker scheme at the extended parking lot at the airport. What will they think of next?
I don’t know, maybe stealing Amazon packages from your porch - oh yeah, they’re already doing that.
Tutorial? That’s a new one. Thanks for the alert.
Thankfully, I speak fluent euphemism.