"Indians don't pay tips"

Don't get mistaken my friends.I am just barely 5 months old in this country and too inexperienced to make such a "sweeping remark" about my own race. These are the words of a Yellow Cab driver.It's neither a racist remark. So chill out!

Do U wanna hear the story? I know You do... so let me get started.

It's the story of last weekend.Sunday to be precise.I had went to Austin last friday to meet my undergrad pal, Anshul ,who was here on a short business trip from AMD,India.We had a nice time.We were meeting after 3 years.We did bakkar, ice skated, dined @Java Noodles and California Pizza Kitchen and hanged out with his new Austin friends. Saturday whizzed past in no time and I was about to leave Austin.

I had managed to get ride from College Station to Austin by my college mates but had no one to bring me back from Austin.Walking was not an option:), so finally had to book a ticket on Greyhound to head back to my school.Sunday was ruined.But this is one of those God crafted events. He wants us to realize that how lonely and helpless we are in "US of A" without a Mercedes, read a chaar pahiya gaaree.

Bus for Bryan (neighborhood sister of College Station - CS doesn't believe in possessing a BUS STATION;) ) was scheduled at 12 noon and I had to get my buss pass from the ticket counter an hour before.So basically I had to reach the Austin bus station at 11 a.m. My Sunday had already begun.I had to travel 20 miles from Anshul's house to reach bus station.Woke up at 8:30 although the alarm was set for 7:30.I dunno whether the alarm clock ever tried to wake me up at the "requested" time.Anyways.Performed the daily chores.Called up a Yellow Cab to journey the 20 odd miles.Took breakfast.Bode adieu to Anshul and hopped into the Cab and got going for the short trip to Austin bus station.I started at 10.

Journey was fun.Believe me.The cab driver seemed to be very interested in India and her people.And so right away when we left Anshul's apt complex, he got going.He was very eager to know my opinion about act of "public kissing" in India.He was utterly disturbed at the Indian public's display of anger for recent Richard Gere's kissing of Shilpa Shetty on an AIDS campaigning stage.To my shock and surprise, he was so aware of this news.I know many of you may not be.He had the concern that why are Indians so cynical about kissing in public- even about just kissing on cheeks.He considered it to be kinda greeting.Now it was my turn to put the "act of public kissing" in Indian context.I talked about the differences between Western and our culture.About the difference in their thought processes. Beliefs of our older generations and changing mindset of we the younger generations.It went on for a few minutes and I assured him that 5 years down the line he won't have any such complains with the Indians:) He was satisfied.He seemed to be happy.He had been in the driving business for last 18 years.He was a Nigerian.And he loved passing comments on beautiful women racing with his Yellow Cab in Austin traffic.

The journey wasn't very long and I reached Austin bus station at 10:30.Time to pay the bucks.The fare turned out to be 40.19 dollars. I had 2 notes of $20 and a note of $10 and a dollar in quarters and the Credit card. I had already started deciding upon how much to pay in tip(while he was parking).Just pay $41 or pay by credit card with some $3 tip.I had not even finally decided then pat came the verdict from the Nigerian dude "Indians don't pay tips". I thought what the fkuc. I didn't get challenged. He knew I was a student.I paid $41 and wished him " a great day!".He made it so easier for me.

Ridiculously, I just paid $29 for my trip from Austin to College Station by Greyhound for 5 hours of journey.Cab cost me $41 for 30 minutes.This is the charm of this place.This is USA my friend.