Rugby World Cup Cab Chat: Ion Caglaru of Co-op Taxis

Romanian Taxi Driver Ion Caglaru. Photo / Richard Robinson.

This World Cup, the Herald will speak to cabbies about the word on the street. Today, meet Ion Caglaru, of Auckland's Co-op Taxis.

Picked up any rugby fans yet?

Yes, from South Africa and Ireland. South Africa and Australia are the good jobs. The best one, we went to Mt Eden's mountaintop, and I was waiting with them, taking photos for them. But I stopped the meter 'cos that's not nice.

You must be from Romania with a name like Caglaru?

Yes, I came here from Bucharest nine years ago. I was a civil engineer. I tried to be back in my field, in construction, but I didn't succeed. It was first of all my English language, but I think companies don't [like] my age. I've turned 60.

What was the best thing you built?

I was working an office job, on plans. But I did a small bit on one famous piece, Casa Poporului [in Bucharest], which means the Palace of the Parliament. I like the conception - two mixed architectural styles. It's the second biggest political building after the Pentagon.

Are you happy with Romania's World Cup performance?

First game was OK, more than I was believing we could do; they were even leading for a short time. But the second game ... oh. Maybe the last one could be more balanced, with Georgia.

Is there a rivalry between Romania and Georgia?

Ex-Soviet [bloc] countries, they haven't much experience in this sport. But Georgia was coming fast from behind, and now they show good play. Romanian people are strong, very strong, and in the 60s and 70s we had a very good rugby team. Since then there's been big changes - we went from communism and we became democratic. It's a little bit better now, but the people are still struggling ... and we do not have a much better rugby side.

What would Romanians eat to celebrate a win against Georgia?

We'd have sarmale in foi de vita. Small pieces of cabbage leaves, and inside we put smoked pork, could be some beef. And the smoked fat from the pork, which is very special, you put 50 pieces in a big bowl in the oven, and the fire has to be very slow, for two hours maybe, and it's excellent.

What would you drink with that?

Our alcohol is from plums, not sweet but with a very nice scent. Only 30-32 per cent, because it could be twice boiled, and 55 per cent! This is very strong.