Monrovian Taxis

Hmm, ever got in a taxi, closed the door, then thought, might just open the window? Well, that's what I regularly think when I get in taxis here, but we often use the same local chap, who has lets just say a rather old taxi. So when the thought crossed my mind the other day...out he jumped of the drivers seat, whipped open my door, took out a metal rod, then cranked the window open with the inner mechanism of the door! See, most taxis are lucky to have windows stuck together with masking tape, and door handles, and really, seatbelts...?? Not a chance! Many cars you'll see the chassis trailing an exhaust pipe on the floor.
I do however love the 'taxi world' here. standing on the road people give random unfathomable hand gestures (not of the rude kind!), which apparently indicate where they want to go, eventually what I would call a 'full' taxi will pull up and allow the person to hop in, 4 in the back seat at least, and 2 in the front passenger seat. Nice and cosy... I experienced the front seat the other day - gear stick jammed in one leg, and pretty much sitting on a random strangers lap. If you get out of the taxi without the driver asking for your number...?!
What can be a little distressing is that some locals have commented as we have gone past 'oh you carry white people' and assume we don't want to share our cab and step back. It's such a strange and uncomfortable assumption to me, sharing doesn't bother me in the least, but how can I impact on a culture/attitude that appears so resigned to certain things??!!
Yes, life here gets more and more interesting by the day!