Two young Irishmen, Seamus and Paddy, were gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime – a trip to the land Down Under – Australia.
As they were packing their bags and getting ready to bid farewell to the Emerald Isle, Seamus’ father pulled them aside with a stern look on his face:
“Listen up, lads, I’ve heard tales about those Aussie cab drivers. They’re a crafty bunch, and if you’re not careful, they’ll rob you blind. Don’t you dare pay them what they ask. You haggle with them like your life depends on it, you hear?”
Seamus and Paddy nodded solemnly, etching their father’s words into their memories like they were carved in stone.
After a long flight and a few pints to steady their nerves, the two friends found themselves standing in the bustling Sydney airport, suitcases in hand and a sense of excitement bubbling within them.
They hailed a cab, and a grizzled Aussie driver pulled up, his face weathered by the unrelenting sun and his eyes twinkling with mischief.
As they piled into the back seat, the driver glanced at them in the rearview mirror and said
“Alright, lads, where to?”
Seamus rattled off the address of their hotel, and the cab lurched forward, weaving through the chaotic Sydney traffic with ease.
The ride was uneventful, save for the occasional colorful commentary from the driver about the city’s sights and quirks.
Finally, they arrived at their destination, and the driver turned around:
“That’ll be twenty dollars, lads,” he said, holding out his calloused hand.
Seamus and Paddy exchanged a knowing look, their father’s warning ringing in their ears.
Seamus puffed out his chest and declared:
“Oh no, you don’t! My dad warned me about you Aussie cab drivers. You’ll only be getting fifteen dollars from me.”
Not to be outdone, Paddy chimed in:
“And you’ll only be getting fifteen from me too, ya scoundrel!”
