1 – Dear Editor,
I refer to the latter from Paul Matthews in last week’s Algarve Resident. I am fortunate enough to be fluent in Portuguese and very rarely if ever use public transport, but I can not agree more with the comments made by Mr. Mathews regarding the rudeness of many Faro airport taxi drivers. I fly out of Faro very regularly and often, when my car is due for a service, arrange to leave it at the garage in Faro whilst away for a week or so, rather than having it serviced at the Portimão garage of my car brand which is closer to where I live. This saves me money on parking at the airport and is also very convenient as my car is being serviced whilst I am away. I have done this for many years and I now relish the opportunity of a good argument with the taxi driver when he starts to complain about getting a small fare. If they do not complain and are either friendly or, at least keep their mouths shut, then I tip generously. However, as is the usually the case, when they start ranting I give it back to them tenfold, explaining to them that they are providing a service and should learn (as the Portuguese say) to chew the bone sometimes rather just eating the easy meat. I also refuse to tip in these situations, right down to the last cent.
So Mr. Matthews, I suggest you print the following out on a piece of paper or even better learn to say it when one of these idiots starts to complain: “Oh seu palerma, estou-me nas tintas em relação ao seu desagrado de ter que levar um cliente a Faro. Sugiro que aprenda a comer do osso e não só da carne!”
Name and address withheld on request
2- Dear Editor,
Just to say that I totally agree with Paul Matthews. Taxi drivers need to welcome all customers with a smile no matter how short their fare is.
John Costa
By email
