Maxi-taxi: common mode of transportation for many Romanian village people in the outskirts of Bucharest. With a price tag of 2Lei, these large van’s are typically white, yellow, or blue and always full of adventure. They must be hailed by the extension of an extended hand – and only run between the house of 6 am and 9:30 pm. Before or after that time – Good Luck!
1.) There is always room for more.
This one time on a maxi-taxi (okay almost every time I’ve been on one) there were clearly more people than seats. The aisle was packed with three teams of World Racers, and the seats were taken by squad-leaders and locals. Standing at the back of the van – against the backdoor, I stood, squished on all sides – and then I felt a cold breeze and my body almost falling out of the back. Three grown men managed to finagle their way into the maxi BEHIND me. Did I mention I was already pressed up against the door?…Lesson: there is ALWAYS room for more.
2.) Maxi-taxi’s are prepared to carry plant-life.
This one time on a maxi-taxi, I purchased a tree for an event at the grocery store across town, in addition to our team groceries. After spending an hour attempting to hail the proper maxi-taxi going to our village…one stopped.
(Note to self: if the height of a tree you purchase exceeds that of the maxi-taxi roof, it’s going to be one fun ride. You’d never guess it, but this tree had a good extra 6-9 in. beyond the ceiling).
There I stood climbing into the maxi-taxi with a giant tree. A sweet Romanian grandpa helped me prop it against the side of the vehicle – and for the first time in my life I found a special standing stop at the front. There was just enough room for me, the tree, and all our team’s auxiliary grocery baggage. [Bonus: I was the comic relief for this ride.]
3.) They’re dirt-cheap.
It costs 2 Lei (less than $1) to travel one way on a maxi-taxi. A round trip to and from where you are going = 4Lei (less than $1.50). This is highly beneficial for getting into Bucharest.
4.) You meet real cool people.
One night when Aubrie, Shawndell, and I were coming back from a ballet across town. We’d prayed for a maxi-taxi with seats. We arrived outside the metro station just in time to board an empty maxi-taxi with the exception of one man. Being in a rather silly mood from the night’s entertainment – we cracked jokes, sang Disney songs, and just were who we usually are…the man across the aisle listened and watched the whole time – smiling and cracking up. Apparently my teammates noted I speak with many fun expressions…it sure is fun to be comical!
5.) You can talk all you want + there is always the mystery of not knowing if anyone or everyone understands what you’re saying.
6.) Random people may hand you their cellphone and try to set you up with their son.
One time on a maxi-taxi Shawndell and I were squished in the very back. The man sitting beside her spoke a little English – and was on the phone with his wife. Before I was realizing what was happening, he’d handed Shawndell his cellphone and said, “Here, speak with my son.” The son asked her with great boldness, “You use yahoo messenger? Skype? Can I have your Skype address?” Thankfully we were able to explain that we’re heading to Africa – so the chances of them ever taking is slim to none. The dad got the phone back – and began to tell his son something in Romanian to the effect of “Shawndell is beautiful. She is American. Yes, she goes to Africa. etc.”
7.) Riding the maxi-taxi emphasizes the importance of exercise.
Trust me, you want to be as agile and flexible as possible when riding these machines. Also – you need to be strong enough to push past people to get off at your stop. For cardio purposes, sometimes you have to chase them down – or run through the metro to catch the final one of the night…
8.) The route, people, and events of each trip are ALWAYS A MYSTERY!
