Of taxi drivers, tipping tangles, and swingers on skates

Press, 19 July 1983, Page 16

Of taxi drivers, tipping tangles, and swingers on skates

BARBARA STEWART reports some of the reactions and observations of a busy five-week business trip in the United States, and Europe.

Americans can be considerate of human forgetfulness. On the exit door of an airport lavatory, a notice reads: “Have you forgotten your rings, watch, tickets or bag.” © ® ■ © Although there is a pride in Christchurch for its trees,

gardens, and flowers, the city could be made more lovely. On this trip I have seen trees lining streets down both sides as well as planted down the centre, giving an impression of great peace and beauty in the busiest cities. The number of magnolia trees, all in flower, in Los Angeles was pretty and softening to see. The colourful garden boxes of thd houses and shops of Frankfurt brightened any grey area. The trees of Paris complement an already beautiful city. And constantly in shops, restaurants, and hotels are bowls of fresh flowers. © © ©

Thank goodness we do not have tipping in New Zealand. It varies from 10 to 15 per cent of the service for hairdressers, taxis, and meals, although the tip is often automatically added to the meal bill. Then there are porters, doormen who open a door you can open very well yourself and maids. Finally there is the problem of working out who you should tip or should not, and there is no point in giving away precious funds unless you must. ® ® ® Taxi drivers the world over are a special breed. The best are fun, informative, and most helpful. Our black driver in Los Angeles knew all about New Zealand sport and its successes. Our Frankfurt driver gave us a brief and very amusing appraisal of his city, its history, the war, and its present day happenings with a unique mixture of English out of the German language with lots of snorting and laughing. Cabbies see the whole world in all its states moving through their cabs. • © © Along with a big country, the American love of big

cars continues. The oil crisis temporarily persuaded them to consider smaller cars, but now the big ones are “right on in there,” back again in force. To my eye the designs cannot compare with Continental and Japanese lines. They seem to begin with one idea and end with another, with no visual marriage in between. © ® 9 Seeing begging always hurts me. Women with children in their arms, with children curled up asleep beside them or leaning quietly beside their mothers, these women with their arms outstretched as the Paris crowds walk by. Old women and men in worn out clothes, crippled people with missing limbs. Seeing the wall of blankness in their eyes as the hands reach out — usually for nothing. ® © 9 But busking is enterprising, and seems to get a response. In subways the sound of music relieves the appalling greyness of concrete and litter. In busy streets music calls for attention and is so often an excellent performance. A young thalidomide boy with no arms, competently playing the trumpet was making good money when I listened to him. Outside the anniversary exhibition of Edouard Manet in Paris a violinist entertained a long and permanent queue of visitors who appreciated sweet music during their wait. Little acts of miming and dancing always draw onlookers. @ © @ A challenge should be given to the somewhat dreary formality of New Zealand cities. In many cities in Europe roller skaters use this practical and quick way to get about. I saw one middle-aged

swinger weaving his way through the London Oxford Street crowds complete with stereo headphones, vivid striped running gear, knee and. elbow guards, gloves and a backpack. In the central mall of Frankfurt a BMX track was set up for kids to try their ability. Pop bands stage concerts in city squares. Artists display their work. It all expresses more life and pleasure in central city living. © © © The Eduoard Manet was a superb collection of two hundred works of an artist who in his day constantly provoked controversy. But to my eyes it looked as if the paintings had just been hung on walls from where the last exhibition had been removed. For such a special event I would have thought better preparation might have enchanced such a unique and valuable exhibition. ©9O Standards of safety in New Zealand would seem greatly preferable to some I have come across. In the Los Angeles hotel the electric switches were lethal and illogical. And in a hotel in Italy accidental death or suicide was made easy. Eight floors up the windows opened only from the bottom upwards. In the hot weather they needed to be open, yet any loss of balance would easily send you out arid down. • © © Finally, a taste treat to try for next summer. In a vitamiser put a punnet of strawberries, ice, sugar, and strawberry liquer. Run it till the contents are liquid, pour into long glasses and top up with champagne. Delicious.