Mexico’s highly-dangerous Taxi Libre
We needed to get to the long-distance bus terminal and didn’t feel like negotiating the steps with our luggage. The alternative was to go by taxi.
Radio-taxis ordered by the hotel are very expensive (about EUR5 for a little bit around the corner). So we decided to hail a taxi libre off the street. These were the infamous VW taxis, now replaced by Nissan Sentras (called Tsusu locally). Everyday, people are robbed, kidnapped or even killed by the drivers of these taxis … no kidding.
But I think it’s just a chance thing; it doesn’t happen to every single one of the thousands of passengers. But as a foreigner, am I more of a target? The guide book and the hotel advise that hailing taxis are a definite no-no. But if you have to, then you should check that:
- the registration plates should match the registration painted on the car, and
- the driver’s face matches the photo-permit displayed.
We didn’t flag down the first taxi that we saw. Some were too beaten up and others were too small. We flagged down an empty Nissan and told the driver our destination.
He said something which I couldn’t understand, then pointed to the meter. I was pleased that he was obliging with the meter and appeared honest enough. Kim and I looked at each other, loaded up our luggage and hopped in.
The 15-minute journey cost MXP27 rather than MXP150 by radio-taxi through the hotel. That’s less than one-fifth!
Bus to Oaxaca
The ADO Group bus to Oaxaca, departing at 0930, was less exciting but very comfortable. The journey took 7 rather than the expected 6h05, and we ascended to about 8500 ft at its highest point. What surprised me was the lush green countryside just out of Mexico City before drying out a little … but it certainly ain’t the desert landscape one normally imagines.
Hostel Don Nino was only a short walk from the bus station and located in front of a leafy plaza. After an early dinner (since we skipped lunch) we strolled through the town’s main square or Zocalo. The colonial buildings all around the town and its square makes the place very charming. The locals were out in force enjoying the atmosphere .. there were musicians, balloon sellers, busy sidewalk cafes.
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- I didn’t expect such greenery and a snow-capped mountain so close to Mexico City.
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- It’s still green a little further from Mexico City before changing to a dryer landscape.
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- Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca by the Zocalo.
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- Oaxaca’s Zocalo is a delightful place in the evening.
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- Oaxaca’s Zocalo is a delightful place in the evening.
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- Oaxaca’s Zocalo is a delightful place in the evening.
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- I bought these white flip-flops for Kim but he doesn’t like them. So I wear them instead. He tells me that he locates me at night by them because they’re so bright white … and also with my teeth as I’m currently very dark.
