Planes, Vans & Jeepneys, observations – Part 4 of 4

This article is a list of my observations during our vacation. There is no particular order to this list, just my thoughts and observations.  My observations will fall into the following three general categories: Airport Operations, General Transportation thoughts, Cultural differences and General Comparisons.

Before I begin, let me make one general observation.  There is a lot to like overseas; but there really is no place like the good ‘ol USA.

So without further delay, let’s start…

 A. Airport Operations

1. Airport security.  Without a doubt, airport security is very important.  But, especially after some of the recent issues our TSA has had, TSA might learn a thing or two from other countries security.

• Be nice!  Airport security overseas was very strict; but they were extremely polite.  Our TSA officials could learn a lot about how to treat somebody from our overseas friends.  When I didn’t take out my iPad from my luggage, did the security people in the Philippines yell at me?  No, they simply asked me (very politely I might add) to remove it and put it in another container.  Unlike in Atlanta – where the TSA rep nearly ripped me a new asshole and treated me in a very condescending way.  Also in Atlanta, as our group and 400 of our newest friends deplaned and approached customs, there were the TSA reps, yelling and bitching at people.  Unlike in the Philippines and Thailand where they simply said “Sir, no sir, not that way, this way” and pointed me in the correct direction.

Nothing says “Welcome to the good ‘ol USA” like some TSA rep on a power trip!

• Once again in Atlanta, having dinner in a restaurant, without leaving the cleared area – we are given plastic knives to cut our food with.  Really!!!?  A plastic knife?  I just don’t even know where to start with this one!

• Overseas controlled area: This was a single situation – but it sucked.  After entering the gate for our flight to Japan, we couldn’t leave the controlled area, not unless you took your passport and boarding pass with you to go back through security.  Just a pain in the butt to go to the bathroom or fetch some water.

• Overseas screening.  The security process overseas is a pain; but the people make it bearable and at times pleasurable. Security overseas is everywhere.  You want to visit the mall, pass through security.  Want to visit the bank, pass through security.  The difference is that the security officers are nice, and treat you with respect.  They won’t take any flack off of you, but you are treated with respect, and if you follow their directions – there is no problem.  Once again, in America; the TSA starts heavy handed, just the opposite of overseas.

2. Aircraft loading.  American companies have this one nailed down pact: orderly boarding and generally a pleasant experience.  Overseas (flying domestically) it was….interesting.  Much like driving, first come, first served.  The flights that we took domestically were chaotic to board.  The entire plane boarded at one time, the front half boarded through the front entrance, and the rear half boarded through the rear entrance.  It was sporty, yeah, that’s a good word – sporty.

3. Luggage requirements.  On US carriers, you’re allowed 50lbs per bag, period.  The cost of exceeding this amount is high, in the area of $75.00, per bag. Overseas, they use a simple weight measurement.  You have X number of Kilos, I think it starts at 20 Kilos per passenger. Either way, they don’t care if you have 1 or 10 bags, as long as you don’t exceed your weight limit (you can purchase more) you’re good.  I like that actually.  I think the US should adopt some form of this model.  If you go over your chosen weight limit, you pay a flat fee for each kilo your over your purchased limit.

B. General Transportation

1. Driving.  OMG!! Driving overseas (especially in the Philippines) is not for the faint of heart.   Talking about taking your life into your hands.

• Driving (or being driven) in the Philippines is … completely unexplainable.  It is an experience.  In America – Boston has the title for the craziest drivers (NYC being a close second).  They have nothing on the average driver in the Philippines.  Not even the Police are crazy enough to get in the way.  I saw where they would set up checkpoints – but generally speaking they were no where to be seen in everyday traffic.

• Driving in Thailand was much more sane.  There was a pattern to the traffic, and generally speaking – people followed the rules.  Were there a ton of cars on the road, yes; but it was orderly and respectful.  Cars waited in queue for their turn.  I actually saw the police pull over people from time to time.  Drivers were more respectful of one another than in the Philippines.

2. Traffic signs/rules.  In America – people generally follow the rules.  Speed limit; yeah, I’ll add 5mph to it; but I use my blinkers (hint, hint!!!) when I change lanes, and like most, I follow the rules.  2 lanes of traffic is two lanes, most people stop at stop signs/lights.

• Philippines: Traffic signs and rules are…suggestions at best.  If they can fit four lanes of cars on a two lane road, so be it.  Most intersections with one or two turn lanes will have, four or five lanes try to turn left at the light.  Intersections are simple – first one there wins.  It really didn’t matter what the traffic light was.  Even though I was being driven by very good drivers, it was uncomfortable at times.

• Thailand: Traffic was much less chaotic.  People, generally speaking, followed the signage.  Most cars used their blinkers and were respectful of one another, and a red light stopped most traffic.

3. Public transportation: In America – we don’t use public transportation to its full potential, I think this is too bad.  I do not have the answers; but I’d like to see more efficient and user friendly public transportation.  I think a jeepney style system would work well in resort cities, like Virgina Beach, VA, Myrtle Beach, SC, or Orlando, FL.

• Philippines: Jeepneys – ah, the impression of an old army jeep magically transformed into a people hauler with seating for 8 with 20 people or so stuffed aboard comes to mind. The jeepney is an effective and affordable way to get around.  For whatever reason, I felt secure using a jeepney in Angeles City; but there is no way I’d feel secure riding one in Manila.  Jeepneys were much cheaper than taking a taxi.
• Thailand: I can’t speak for Bangkok, as we had a driver, but I made extensive use of the jeepney type trucks in Pattaya.  As in the Philippines, their jeepneys are much more affordable than the other alternative transportation methods – taxis and trikes.  The jeepneys in Pattaya were much smaller, with seating for 8, and maybe able to cram 10 people on a good day into one.  There was always a jeepney available when needed, and you could hire a jeepney for your exclusive use if you wanted to.  Our group did this one night to return to the hotel.

C. Cultural differences and General Comparisons:

1. Safety.  I felt safe in both Thailand and the Philippines.  I’m not saying there isn’t crime in these countries – I’m simply saying I felt just as safe walking around in those countries as I do here in the USA.  In fact, my nephew chewed my ass one day in Bangkok because I wasn’t sleepy one night and went walking around by myself in Bangkok – he was less than impressed and said it was; “stupid” and that I shouldn’t do that again.  The first time we visited Manila in 1988, my wife had her necklace stolen from someone walking by us while we were seated in a jeepney.  So yes, there is crime, if you take some common sense measures – you shouldn’t fall victim and all should be well.

2. The people.  Generally speaking, I find people from Asia much more pleasurable to be around.  They are polite and respectful of one another, which also can be said of many of my friends and co-workers.  It is when you walk down the street and say hello to someone.  How many people walking down the street in the USA will return your good gesture?  How many will take offense?  Most of the people I ran across overseas returned my good gestures.

3. Amenities & Infrastructure.  Every mall we entered, both in Philippines and Thailand, there was an Auntie Anne’s pretzel shop.  All of the upscale malls we entered also had most of the same stores you’d find in the USA – but the sales staff were much friendlier.  One general comment – do not mistake friendliness and pleasurable attitudes as unprofessional.  All interactions I had with people working, whether security guards or sales staff, all were professional and knew their stuff.  So do not mistake their friendliness for passiveness; they are professionals.  American stores could take a lesson from them.

• As in the USA, there was a 7-11 everywhere!  It was kind of nice.
• Roads /  Traffic flow  / Signage.  America is tops here.  It is much easier to get around by car here in the USA than it is in Thailand or the Philippines.  Road improvement projects in the Philippines appeared to be more politically-driven than elsewhere.  When we drove north to where the roads were under construction, you’d see signs like “this improvement brought to you by…(political party official)”.  That way you’d remember him/her when the time to vote came around.  Road projects were half done, and many were incomplete.  Can’t say much.  They’ve been working on the same stretch of I-64 for the past 20 years!

D. Final words:

It is unfair to compare the three countries.  In my opinion the USA still trumps all others.  We may have political infighting; but that is everywhere. In Thailand, the King is getting old.  They love the princess; but the prince – not so much.  There are pictures of the princess, she is involved in helping the citizenry – while the prince is busy having fun.  In the Philippines – it is generally known that most officials are corrupt and are busy getting theirs before helping the citizenry.

I have actually considered moving to the Philippines; that being said, being an exPat is not in my future. So my vote is still the USA.

• When you call the Police – they will come in short order.  Just be smart about it and follow their directions.
• When you call the Fire Department – they will also be there in short order.
• I feel completely safe walking around – I don’t have to worry about getting on the subway (although maybe I should in NYC?)
• This (USA) is my home – I have served her, and I love her.  I shall not live anywhere else.