ALULA – The Taxi Driver
The phone rings in my villa. It is the reception.
« Madam, your taxi is waiting already 15 minutes ».
« What do you mean 15 minutes? Wasn’t the reservation at 16.50? »
« No, Madam, it was for 16.15 ».
I mentally curse while I order a golf car to go to the reception.
That’s the inconvenient part of the Banyan Tree. The complex is so big that walking distance does not work, unless you want to visit your neighbors in the next villa. I need to wait the car to come to pick me up.
I could walk, but it would take me at least 20 minutes under the Arabic sun.
My destination is the oasis and on the ticket it is clearly marked that the tour will leave at 17.00 sharp. If you are late, it is your business.
I am late. When we arrive on site, the group has already left.
I’m upset, but it is only my fault.
The driver looks at me.
He is from Iraq.
« Madam, I am sorry for your loss. You lost too much. Would you like to do something else? Would you like to go and see the Elephant Rock, for example? I can drive you there ».
That was the only attraction I did not manage to buy the ticket for.
As often when I am travelling, Life itself is talking to me:¨
- Elena, drop the oasis. I have something better in mind for you. Come with me, you will see.
And I follow the Life.
The most surprising thing for me is that the taxi driver switches the taximeter off. He’s not charging the ride. He’s not charging the waiting time.
He brings me there and says:
« I will wait for you here. Text me when you are done ».
