Taxi Drivers

I've been getting real used to the taxi drivers here in Tianjin. At first, it was very difficult to communicate with them due to the language barrier. But as I continue to build new friendships, the locals have definitely helped me out on communicating with the drivers and navigating through the streets of Tianjin. During these taxi rides, I've learned to not go during the rush hour, it once took me 45 minutes to get back to Hanting Express during rush hour one morning when it usually takes me only about 10 minutes. I have learned that the longer the ride takes, the more it costs as well. I have also learned that the taxi drivers love to take advantage of us foreigners, they enjoy taking the longer ways to get to a destination so the ride costs more. Although it may seem like my taxi encounters have been negative, I have met some friendly ones. There have been a few where they were so anxious to practice their little English with me and curious to learn more. A lot of them always try to speak Chinese to me first because they think I am Chinese too, which always gets them! I wish we had more time in Tianjin so I can get to know the city more and learn how to navigate on my own so I know if the taxi drivers are cheating me or not!