People laugh at us when we say "student price", for taxi's, markets, restaurants, everywhere. Because to them, we are white. We are western. Therefore, we have money. Although we know that this is definitely not the case, that's what the common understanding is over here. Yes, we have more money than they do, but it doesn't give them any right to take us for a ride.
Yesterday we were pulled over in our taxi by a traffic officer because we had too many people in our van. Having met our driver's family and getting to know him personally, I was actually more scared for Iddi than for me. I know we could have just taken another taxi home if worse came to worse, but if he got his license taken away or a ginormous fine, how would be support his wife and two school-aged children? Thankfully, he was let go with just a warning and we got home just fine, but the experience was enough to make us realize that it's not just about the law, it's about money. While we were sitting, waiting for the officer's verdict, we saw several cars and trucks go by with people hanging out the doors and sitting in the bed of trucks. Obviously, we were treated differently because of our skin colour. There's nothing we can do about it though.
Aside from that experience yesterday, most of the people here have been VERY friendly. We have been invited into numerous homes, welcomed with open arms, and greeted by every person we pass by. If only Canada were like that...
With love,
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