If only all the taxi drivers in the world were women

Taxis ... Love them or hate them, there's no denying their use and the huge challenges that women can have when catching a ride in a foreign city.

Let's look at China for instance; yes, it's the land of opportunity and opportunists. A ride from the airport can cost as much as 800 rmb for the unaware, or 25 rmb if you do what the locals do and join the snaking taxi queue.

But what's with these men that have to drive like Ari Vatenen, speeding through cities at ridiculous speeds, honking, cursing, swerving and braking? Sure, most of the time you do get to your destination in one piece, albeit slightly frazzled, but I have had so many near misses that there are times I simply avoid these testosterone overloaded males and look for other means of  transport. I did however decide to give the last guy his pedigree as he sped to the Hung Hom station in Hong Kong. 

“See this note? This is the tip you would have got if you had slowed down and driven sanely!!!!”

The black cabs in London are easily the best in the world, calm, considered and friendly. Yes they are expensive, but who cares as I certainly believe I will make my final destination in one piece.

As for Asia, it's all for one and one for all as you battle a road system that merges constantly, in cities overloaded with smog, vehicles and far too many people trying to survive in too small a space. 

Today however, there was a wonderful surprise awaiting as we left the fabric market in Guangzhou fully expecting to grapple with the millions of Chinese to secure a taxi after a monsoon pour down. That wasn't to be the case; ready and waiting, there she was – yep, a woman cabbie! A first for me in China and what a breath of fresh air; a calm drive back and even an attempt to speak to us with her limited broken English. No cursing, no honking, no near misses, just calm considered driving. Hmmmm if China is really going to rule the world, let’s hope the women take centre stage!!