Where is the ICAO ?
Dan : So what is the proper ICAO way to ask CA if they have been cleared to the ramp ?
Yes th system is a bit antiquated and the controller should know whether the a/c can proceed into the ramp. Like LA a bit of extra chatter they could do without.
The initial taxi instructions appear to be reasonably consistant with ICAO requirements. The controller even changes the plan to try and accomadate the CA crew and they still do not get it.
I agree that rapid fire RT is not safe. It happens all over. In Manilla they issue clearance changes in a rapid unintelligible accent as well. Things is tough all over !! I will say that in the last few years while flying in an Asian airplane the U.S. controllers do slow down and speak differently to ALL asia carriers. Bit funny for us when we are an all N. American crew !
My two cents.