There we were, minding our own business and walking toward Colaba (the touristy part of town with the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel) when we were approached by "Johnny" in a taxi who offered us a free lift. Of course we were suspicious, but I've heard of taxi drivers giving tourists a free lift if they stop at a handicraft market because the owners will give commission to the taxi drivers... we politely declined until he told us that he gets 500 rupees (about 10 USD or 75 ZAR) for every tourist he takes to the shop. Leen piped in about that time and says, "well if you get 500, give us 100 and we'll go with you". Johnny agreed and away we went.
Johnny took us to 4 tourist shops... with beautifully hand knit carpets, sarees, pashmina scarves, carved marble handicrafts etc etc... everything well above our budget and definitely inflated prices. We patiently looked at everything they had to offer and made several excuses about why we couldn't buy today and went on to the next shop. At the end of our little journey, Johnny handed us 400 rupees! When is the last time you were paid and driven around for over an hour for free?
We enjoyed it so much that we did it again yesterday and made another 300!
At this rate, we may be able to stay a little longer....
haha! geniuses! that is awesome. well done. -vinayak
ReplyDeleteToo funny, you guys should stay and run for Parliament.
ReplyDeleteI can offer to be your manager and handle your finances. 50 rupees per taxi ride. :-)
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