Click
here for the video clip.
'I know the thought of using a taxi
driver as a tour guide might be a strange one. I'd never
done it before coming to London, but it makes perfect sense.
At least in this city.
These drivers know the ins-and-outs of this place. They
know the streets, the monuments, the tourist spots- including
which ones are worthwhile and which ones are not. They know
the trends, the political climate, the actual climate, and-
in a lot of cases- the history. If they don't know it because
they're generally aware, they know it because they had to
in order to pass a grueling test called "The Knowledge,"
an exam all taxi drivers in this city must pass in order
to get a license to drive a black cab. It takes, on average,
three years and twelve attempts before an applicant passes.
Like I said, they know their stuff.
From a comfort standpoint, black cabs aren't like the taxis
at home. At least the Toronto ones I'm familiar with. They're
spacious and roomy and feel more like an airport limo. I
jumped a little when he turned the microphone on, too. That
was new.
You can probably tell from watching the video but Adrian
was a gem. He was a sweet man with a wicked sense of humour,
a pleasant disposition and the ability to remember an incredible
number of figures. I particularly liked that he mixed fact
and fun, and what I mean by that is he would walk me to
a monument and fill my head with history- Roman history,
royal history, labour history- and then turn around and
crack one heck of a joke. I appreciate people who can balance
intelligence and wit and can flow easily between the two.
I'm not saying you shouldn't go on
organized tours when in London. You absolutely should. While
in this city, I went on a few and learned a lot on every
one. I'm just saying don't discount a cab ride in London
as simply a way to get from A to B. Pick your driver's brain.
You may be surprised by what they know.
And if you're not… well… I hope the ride is
a comfortable one!
Kate McKenna, Transat Vacationer, Canada (from
her blog featured on Facebook and YouTube)
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use a London taxi?
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