Living in another country presents many new challenges and adventures, one being: transportation. In the Philippines, traffic is absurd times one million. Cars, jeepneys, trikes, mopeds, buses, vans and more cars crowd the roads all trying to get to their destinations. The most important lesson I have learned so far is: view the road as if it were a river, flowing in and out. Sounds like a peaceful experience? Right…. This flowing river called Philippines traffic is one hundred percent opposite from a nice peaceful flowing river; however, the traffic does flow, road lines are just suggestions, speed limits don’t exist and horns are a sign of awareness. Really you must come and see for yourself. Being from a small town, I never had much experience riding public transportation. Now, I ride public every day. I leave my house, walk to the end of the subdivision (not quite the same as the states), cross the major road and hope on a jeepney (one of the most unique public transportation vehicles, very unique). After only riding public a handful of times, I have an endless supply of funny stories and lessons learned (actually, kind of embarrassing) that I can share: 1) Always be sure to get off at the right stop, or you will have to walk all the way home; 2) Some Jeepneys play really loud terrible music and the drivers smoke: both illegal (both no fun to ride on), 3) When in doubt, ask someone! Filipinos are very helpful! Traveling in another country is very exciting and also kind of intimidating; however, it has changed the way I look at transportation.
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