Well, besides knowing how to quote a post I'm replying to, my reading comprehension is spot on, readily detecting a scammer. Your tells? Having to hide money and feigning ignorance about the availability of extras. Do you really look that destitute that you have to show them money BEFORE receiving extras? That's a new one for me, but maybe they just figure they can always run faster than me. I DISCUSS prices, but never have to prove what I'm carrying. And if I get a quote outside of my window, I just say, "For that service, I pay this amount". But maybe you missed my AR from last month where I described doing just that. I'm just straight forward.
Besides, 30 minutes? I hate short hops. You just reach cruising altitude and it's descent time. In MP's, 60 worth the trip, otherwise, not worth leaving the house. $20? I don't even know if you can get a Big Mac meal for that. And the shops I visit, while I do try and have exact change, if I don't, they've always returned the difference to me. But if it ever happens that she doesn't, maybe I should just figure you were the previous punter. Same neighborhood.
IMO, it's more about feeling superior, clever, you've gotten one over on the girl. And you post here looking for accolades. None from me. If your self-esteem is so low you have to play games to feel superior, that's on you. Myself, I'm no white knight, but having been an expat in foreign lands, foreign languages, I do respect her. And I had it easy, legit visas, legal jobs. Like I tell her, "same same you; come here, make money, go home". A fellow traveler that I feel some kinship with.
And I have absolutely NO interest in following your footsteps, though others can follow mine given I actually write AR's.
Do I know everything? No. But what I DO know is what her experience is worth to me on that day, and that's what I offer. No need to pay games with hidden pockets and feigning ignorance.
PS: Jesse? Jesse? I don't see no stinkin' Jesse. If you're going to reference a concurring opinion, you should cite the reference. Professor Kingsfield, 101.
I look at it like this
On the plus side, myself, I am ... distinctly in the middle, neither a high roller nor a cheap Charlie. I know the understood rates, and have no trouble paying them. It's a win-win when BOTH parties leave the room smiling, not so much when one (or the other) leaves feeling short-changed. Just makes us common folk look good and we don't have to do anything...
Hey, hey, hey, careful now. For some of us older folks, 4 pm IS dinner time, and anything past 8 pm is late night. Besides, you can pick up any number of FREE condiments (NOT condoms) there: salt, ketchup, and if you bring a small bottle, you don't need to bother with the small packets, just look for the large squirt dispenser (well, my favorite did retire last month so I am looking for another...) Who needs to buy napkins? Just grab a handful. The shops won't mind, they'll be glad to have you as a customer (well, one time, anyway).