CLINICAL ROTATION DIARY-4
I wonder if “new in town” was written on my forehead because regardless of how much I tried to blend in, I kept being treated like a newbie, in a nice way though. For example, I tried speaking pidgin to someone who apparently speaks pidgin too, but hedeliberately replied in English. Another instance, I was in a cab and the woman who got in after me told me that the way I sat wasn’t how people sit in cabs, because I sat in. Apparently, everyone isn’t supposed to sit in, some sit leaning a bit forward, alternately. This way four people get to sit in a cab with backseat meant for 3 people.
I almost had an altercation with a cab driver. The first cab I got on I didn’t ask if he had change. I had I had a 50# and a 500# note with me. I wasn’t sure of the cab fare (50 or 100#) and I didn’t ask when I entered (mistake no 1). Besides, I didn’t think change wouldbe a problem till I got to where I was to alight.
Unfortunately, some other passengers had large denominations too, compounding my dilemma.
The driver went on and on (in a loud voice) about why I hadn’t mentioned it to him. I had 70# on me and his bill was 100#. I offered him the #70 note, but he declined. Boy I can’t explain myself. I silently prayed for a way out of the mess. Salvation came when the newspaper vendor I asked for change from, offered to complete the 70# I had with #30 (he initially offered to pay the fare, but I told him I had 70#). I was so grateful…and still am.
To be continued in Episode-5
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