So, life here feels a little slower. I feel there is more red tape here so I am not sure if it is just the people are used to waiting, or maybe it’s because there are so many people here, slowing down and waiting is just a part of life. The good news about a slower life style is there is always people waiting around who have time answer any questions you have. Want to know where the nearest mall is, ask someone and they will direct you, or if your lucky to ask an employee or guard and they have time, they escort you.
Time aside, I would like to show you the different modes of transportation I have seen in the city. I took these images from google streetview so I didn’t have to take these images myself.
The pedicab. The slowest, smallest, quietest mode of transport for short trips within the neighbourhood. I like taking these, but it is pretty small and if I were much bigger, I am not sure I could fit in one. I have to enter by backing up into it already. :D
These trikes are great. Whatevery you call them, tuk-tuk, motor trike, or something else, they are everywhere and convienent. The first image of the red trike is an electric version. Faster than a pedicab, but still pretty slow. The image with the green trike is a gas operated trike and the next image shows how prevalent they are. The last trike shown also shows these are used by businesses (and maybe personal) to transport good around the city. They are not nessessarily restricted to the local neighbouhood so this is nice to get around town. These are slightly larger then the pedicab, but depending on which one you choose, if your tall, you might have to hunch over. I have also seen as many as 10 school kids piled inside the front back and on the motorbike of these.
I have also seen as many as 5 kids on a motorbike alone, so 10 on a trike might be a low number.
Commonly known as a jeepney, this is a larger transport. With more people inside, it can feel smaller. Basically a bus; you get on and off where you want. Fares are passed up to the front by the passengers.
Here is a typical street. Not a particularly busy street, and not in a particularly busy city. but there are many people moving about their business. Street lights are not very common and stop signs are frequently ignored. People just move when it is safe to do so.
I can also mention that driving on the opposite side of the road is not uncommon. This is literally my first time trying to find someone pointing the wrong way and it was my first click of the map. This car is obviously just parked while chatting, but a quick example.
Well, I think that is enough about transportation for now. There is always more difference to mention but I will keep this short.. ish.