"I’ve discovered a sexy and wholly new element unique to the city: the feeling of someone calling you a cab.
With several different options, it all consists of:
1) The suave flick of the wrist, one or two fingers extended:
This is used most often when you know see a cab from afar and know you will be answered.
2) The frantic running in heels towards the road, both hands waving in the air: Used when in a panic to get to an appointment on time, during rush hour, or just to draw attention.
3) Just get in. Often used at a stop-light where there is an empty cab. No notice or acknowledgement needs to be made between driver and passenger – just casually open the door and step in. It’s a rather odd trip – try it sometime.
4) The general and most common: raised hand slightly above ones head. Can get tiresome, so used only in situations that you know you won’t be waiting more then five minutes. Feels a bit like elementary school, but most memories are reminiscent.
5) The quick and high-pitched whistle:
Unique to Brent.
He steps out onto the road, scans the cars for the familiar yellow cab – looks at me with a quick wink and lets out the sharp blow. The taxi cuts across three lanes of traffic and pulls to a stop. He opens the door, throws that irresistible look, and I climb in. He leans over the door, telling the driver to “take her to 74th and Broadway”, and hands me some cash. Then the moment when New York’s energy weighs heavy, suspended with a gaze that will swarm in reality the minute I look away. The driver weaves into traffic and maneuvers into formation.
very romantic, eh?
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