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This article is a list of my observations during our vacation. There is no particular order to this list, just my thoughts and observations.\u00a0 My observations will fall into the following three general categories: Airport Operations, General Transportation thoughts, Cultural differences and General Comparisons.<\/p>\n
Before I begin, let me make one general observation.\u00a0 There is a lot to like overseas; but there really is no place like the good ‘ol USA.<\/p>\n
So without further delay, let’s start…<\/p>\n
\u00a0A. Airport Operations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 1. Airport security. \u00a0Without a doubt, airport security is very important. \u00a0But, especially after some of the recent issues our TSA has had, TSA might learn a thing or two from other countries security.<\/p>\n Nothing says “Welcome to the good ‘ol USA” like some TSA rep on a power trip!<\/p>\n 2. Aircraft loading. \u00a0American companies have this one nailed down pact: orderly boarding and generally a pleasant experience. \u00a0Overseas (flying domestically) it was….interesting. \u00a0Much like driving, first come, first served. \u00a0The flights that we took domestically were chaotic to board. \u00a0The entire plane boarded at one time, the front half boarded through the front entrance, and the rear half boarded through the rear entrance. \u00a0It was sporty, yeah, that’s a good word – sporty<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n 3. Luggage requirements. \u00a0On US carriers, you’re allowed 50lbs per bag, period. \u00a0The cost of exceeding this amount is high, in the area of $75.00, per bag. Overseas, they use a simple weight measurement. \u00a0You 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. \u00a0I like that actually. \u00a0I think the US should adopt some form of this model.\u00a0 If you go over your chosen weight limit, you pay a flat fee for each kilo your over your purchased limit.<\/p>\n B. General Transportation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 1. Driving. \u00a0OMG!! Driving overseas (especially in the Philippines) is not for the faint of heart. \u00a0 Talking about taking your life into your hands.<\/p>\n 2. Traffic signs\/rules.\u00a0 In America – people generally follow the rules.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 2 lanes of traffic is two lanes, most people stop at stop signs\/lights.<\/p>\n 3. Public transportation: In America – we don’t use public transportation to its full potential, I think this is too bad.\u00a0 I do not have the answers; but I’d like to see more efficient and user friendly public transportation.\u00a0 I think a jeepney style system would work well in resort cities, like Virgina Beach, VA, Myrtle Beach, SC, or Orlando, FL.<\/p>\n C. Cultural differences and General Comparisons:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 1. Safety.\u00a0 I felt safe in both Thailand and the Philippines.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 So yes, there is crime, if you take some common sense measures – you shouldn’t fall victim and all should be well.<\/p>\n 2. The people.\u00a0 Generally speaking, I find people from Asia much more pleasurable to be around.\u00a0 They are polite and respectful of one another, which also can be said of many of my friends and co-workers.\u00a0 It is when you walk down the street and say hello to someone.\u00a0 How many people walking down the street in the USA will return your good gesture?\u00a0 How many will take offense?\u00a0 Most of the people I ran across overseas returned my good gestures.<\/p>\n 3. Amenities & Infrastructure.\u00a0 Every mall we entered, both in Philippines and Thailand, there was an Auntie Anne’s pretzel shop.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 One general comment – do not mistake friendliness and pleasurable attitudes as unprofessional.\u00a0 All interactions I had with people working, whether security guards or sales staff, all were professional and knew their stuff.\u00a0 So do not mistake their friendliness for passiveness; they are professionals.\u00a0 American stores could take a lesson from them.<\/p>\n D. Final words:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n It is unfair to compare the three countries.\u00a0 In my opinion the USA still trumps all others.\u00a0 We may have political infighting; but that is everywhere. In Thailand, the King is getting old.\u00a0 They love the princess; but the prince – not so much.\u00a0 There are pictures of the princess, she is involved in helping the citizenry – while the prince is busy having fun.\u00a0 In the Philippines – it is generally known that most officials are corrupt and are busy getting theirs before helping the citizenry.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n\n
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