We read about so many taxi horror stories. How about a heartwarming one?
I tend to be a very forgetful person. No, actually I am a forgetful person. Time after time after time I have left valuables behind, sometimes in the worst of places. I’ve lost a cell phone, a camera, a $400 United voucher (back in the days when they were printed on paper), a wallet, and not just one, not just two, but three genuine Rayban sunglasses. I even almost lost my passport on the way from Armenia to Turkey.
(That’s why I now purchase knock-off sunglasses in bulk)
Our Turkish flight Istanbul landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar Es Salaam at 2:30a. It was 3:00a by the time we had exited the aircraft, purchased visas, and cleared immigration.
It was late, we were tired, and we climbed into a taxi outside of immigration, hoping that we would not be ripped off. The flat rate for foreigners is $30 from the airport into Dar Es Salaam, but Wikitravel suggested that by paying in local currency, you could secure the local rate — 30,000 Tanzanian Schillings– which is about $14. That worked — the driver was very nice and agreed to the rate.
It was not a long ride to the Hyatt Regency and by about 3:20a we pulled in. I hopped out of the backseat to grab my bag from the trunk and headed inside to check-in after tipping the driver. Check-in took mere moments and my friend Denny and I headed upstairs to our room.
Inside, as is customary, I reached for my camera to take pictures of the room in preparation for writing a review.
Only it wasn’t there.
A sinking feeling came over.
I had left it on the floor of the taxi…
Of course this isn’t the first time I lost this camera. Last time I had left it beneath my seat on a San Francisco to Vancouver flight.
Thankfully I got it back last time thanks to the kind United agents in Vancouver. I figured this time it was long gone.
I headed immediately back downstairs in hopes that taxi driver might still be there.
As the elevator doors opened, there was the taxi driver holding my camera bag!
I was so elated! Taking the camera I extended my hand and he clasped it and gave me a bear hug. Wow!
At that point, I could have opened my wallet and handed him more money, but I felt that would have been patronizing — as in, let me pay you for not stealing my bag. I think I showed him more respect through my verbal gratitude than in giving him money. I had already tipped him nearly 40% earlier, which may also explain why he brought the bag back.
And so my camera saga has a happy conclusion again and we add a mark to the honest cab tally…in Dar es Salaam of all places.
Read More of my Tanzania Trip Report
Detour: My Other Africa Trip Report
Review: Lufthansa Welcome Lounge Frankfurt
Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Frankfurt
Frankfurt to Istanbul in Turkish Airlines A330 Business Class
Review: Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge Istanbul
Istanbul to Dar Es Salaam on Turkish Airlines 737-900 Business Class
How to Obtain a Visa on Arrival in Tanzania
your blog picture on the main BA page is really disturbing
Sorry you think so. I like it, and it is staying.
It’s those cold dark eyes that give people the creeps ;-).
Looks fine to me, I can relate.
I agree it is really disturbing. Sorry you only surround yourself with people who don’t give honest feedback.
Also I’m sure the taxi driver who probably lives in poverty really wanted a thank you instead of money.
The picture here? http://boardingarea.com/our-bloggers/ Disturbing? I don’t think so. Welcome to Boarding Area, Matthew. It looks like you get a side of trolls with your membership.
I think they mean this one–
https://www.facebook.com/liveandletsfly/
But I like it! Thank you Paul.
Tanzanians in general are very genuine people. The taxi driver was honestly returning your camera. Didn’t expect money from you.
Domestic help in Tanzania make about 20 cents (US) an hour. People in Tanzania who work in banks make about one dollar an hour. How much money do YOU make that you couldn’t afford a hug AND a gratuity for his honesty? Pathetic!
You are pathetic to think that money was required.