PILIPINAS

Realized last night that I’m pretty much blind when I’m driving at night. I had to flash my bright lights more than a few times to see where to turn, where the pedestrians are risking their lives, and if there are cars around me.

Had a good general assembly and fellowship night with my fellow Asian and Philippine Studies graduate students.

I’m slowly getting used to driving in the country. It can be very stressful - truly, it can bring out the worst in anyone - but I’m starting to realize that it’s just a matter of putting on a different mindset and attitude to survive Philippine roads and highways. A whole new level of aggression, without forgetting road courtesy and respect. I love people who use their signal lights, abhor jeeps who nonchalantly park (read: PARK!) in the middle of the road, blissfully ignoring the traffic they are causing behind them. I am getting the hang of the elliptical road. And I could use one or two drive-through coffee shops.

3 Note/s

Sunday, July 26, 2009

I am now baha-proof (at least to a certain level)

My Red Boots, Manila

I left the house wearing my trusty but not so baha-friendly sandals. Thankfully, my orange bus did not break down and survived the waist-high flood along España. Yes, waist-high. I told the passenger beside me, “Kailangan na ng bangka dito.” [“We need boats!”] I remembered my eldest brother’s life-changing story of walking from Taft to Muntinlupa in the same conditions.

I got to Manila and managed to get on a sidewalk without having to wade through murky water or cross a narrow plank. C and I had dinner, walked around, and, thinking about the flood awaiting me on my commute home, he bought me these red boots. These lovely, amazing, wonderful red boots.

I actually had fun walking around and through the Manila baha. I wondered why people who have probably experienced this baha a hundred times before haven’t invested in a pair of boots. I think P300 is well worth not risking some serious infection from having your feet swim in that flood water. And I don’t think it’s because people can’t afford it - I got mine in a department store, I’m sure you can get a pair from Divisoria for P100. It’s just a couple of cell phone loads worth. Oh well.

Tonight was tough in terms of commuting. Can’t say I didn’t learn a thing or two. Goodnight!

4 Note/s