Michael In Rundbrief 07/2023 I had already reported about our new Waymo robotaxis here in San Francisco, but I had never ordered one before. For those of you at home: Robotaxis are these self-driving vehicles that, like other cars, are zipping through our streets of San Francisco. You can order and use them just like an Uber, except that there's no driver in the front seat. Instead, a Google electronic brain controls the vehicle, presses the pedals, and magically turns the steering wheel.

Now, as you may know, the purpose of this publication is to keep the world on the edge of their seats about current events here in San Francisco. So, I downloaded the 'Waymo One' app, gave it my credit card, and ordered an autonomous taxi on a whim one time when I was too lazy to walk a mil through the city to a targeted pub.

San Francisco residents have gotten used to the white Waymo robotaxis. They're all SUVs of the 'Jaguar F' type with a giant, rapidly rotating radar-like gizmo on the roof, and most people accept them as equal road users who drive exceptionally well. Unlike typical drivers here, they don't make serious mistakes when operating their vehicle, they're not running red lights, and they diligently stop at every stop sign. They're surprisingly quick and alert, don't dawdle because they're playing on their phones, and navigate through traffic faster than so many locals. And, more importantly, they are much more pleasant drivers than our hot-blooded young speedsters who can't drive but love to floor the gas pedal.

That's why I didn't hesitate for a second to order a self-driving car for myself. After about 10 minutes, the vehicle arrived, and a button to unlock the door appeared on the phone app. I pressed it and heard a click at the robotaxi's door. I pulled the handle of the rear side door and opened it. As is customary in America, I got in the back, but you could also sit in the front passenger seat.

I shut the door and plopped down on the back seat. Everything was very quiet, and a faint, eerie space music started playing, similar to what we heard at the visitor center of the Mormon temple we visited long ago. A friendly female voice explained that although everything might feel very futuristic, there'd be nothing to worry about and one should enjoy the ride, but keep my hands off the steering wheel. According to the announcement, the operating company Waymo also runs cameras inside the vehicle but assures that they do not eavesdrop on passengers' conversations or record their operatic singing.

To start the car, I first had to press a start button on the app and then slide a bar across the screen. Then the vehicle set into motion, the car left the parking space, and merged into the flowing traffic very quickly and confidently. It properly stopped at red lights and exemplary yielded to pedestrians when turning. My ride was very short, and the car correctly stopped in a parking bay at the destination. I got out, closed the door, and that was it. Of course, there was no tip for the robot, even though it would have deserved one.

Allegedly, a robotaxi ride in San Francisco is the latest attraction for tourists from all over the world, and who could argue with that? I'll treat our next visitors to a ride. Riding the cable car, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, and now ordering a robotaxi are all part of the standard itinerary for our trendy visitors, along with our insider tips in Rundbrief 12/2012.

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• More topics you might be interested in:

  	Angelika on Jury Duty
  	New Car: Cybertruck
  	Book Recommendation: King of the Hobos
  	Charleston and Savannah
  	Swamps of the Southern States
  	Barrier Islands
  	Medjool Dates Mania
  	Top Product: Drawing Salve "Prid"
  	No Retention Permit Required to Keep German Citizenship