But in my country… how many times have we all heard that phrase uttered by Westerners, which would normally be pertaining to a legal dispute of some sort here in the Philippines? And believe me I was guilty of the same narrow minded thinking years ago. The phrase “When will they ever learn” from the song; “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”. Comes quickly to mind when I hear it spoken.
I was shocked in 1966 when the La Guardia Civil in Barthelona Spain shot a British Tourist Just because he tried to climb up a public building in Colombo Square (Yes he was drunk) and attempted to remove the Spanish flag. It dawned on me: “Paul, you’re not in Boston anymore.” (The Brit lived and did 3 years in jail.)
This tended to put me on my best behavior for the next 50 years as I sailed ships and lived all over the world. The first question I would ask is: “What is frowned upon here?” Most laws are universal so obey the same laws you would at home. But some places have quirky rules that pertain to them and only to them and a breach of these rules will land you in hot water. We have all traveled and you should already know some of them. But for sure if you don’t find out what they are before you walk down the brow of your ship to the pier or walk outside of the airport terminal it could be traumatic. Common Sense will be helpful.
On the island of Malta the use of the word “Bastard” will cause a fight faster than the non-payment of your pub tab. So I wondered during the crew briefing; Why the Navy bothered to tell me that, as it is a word that in normal circumstances I would never use. But now that you’ve planted the seed into my brain…, it will come out. (Wear your running shoes, and jump into the first water taxi back to your ship.) Hey who knew??? Well I was warned!!!
The Philippines does not allow me my Second Amendment Right to bear arms, and as I’m not in America I really don’t expect them to! So I don’t bear arms, (Just another reason for old guys to never wear a Sando) because I’m not in my home country. I’ll respect their wishes because it is their law. But here is a trick taught to me by an Old China Fleet Sailor who has lived here since the 1960’s, Pyrotechnics are legal here (except in your town) so if you hear a strange noise or movement on your property, lighting off a M-80 will often send a malefactor scurrying, do not let them see it just let them hear the load report so they think it is a Mossberg on full choke.. Now I’ve never had to do this but I keep a few M-80’s around. Also air powered pellet guns are legal here. But these are personal choices. CCTV is another option if you can get anyone to look at your video after you are robbed.
In Japan I seldom would drive on the right side of the road as they prefer me driving on the left. It’s these little accommodations to the local rules of your host nation that will aid in an uneventful trip. Singapore has some really odd laws, but I can only assume there was a need for them, I myself have never thought of an elevator as a Comfort Room. I’ve never chewed gum as an adult so those laws never affected me, I just bought the T-shirt that listed the things that you can get fined for and never had a problem on Orchard Street.
In the Middle East, never wave or shake with your left hand, something to do with a lack of toilet paper? And never show the bottom of your foot? I can’t remember ever doing that but I can see where it would piss me off if I fell down while trying to do it. Middle East is an oddly named location, is there a Middle West somewhere?
This happened to me three weeks ago. On Subic Freeport on a four lane divided road me and a Toyota were at a four way stop sign. We both waited until our turn and both moved forward at the same time. I was waved over and stopped by the SBMA policeman. He informed me that both cars couldn’t start through the intersection at the same time (Which left me wondering if his rule applied to traffic lights also?). I was surprised and having had a driver’s license for over 50 years I calmly said; “I really didn’t know that, which car does go first?” He answered; Sir you may go now, but please don’t do that again was his final word. I gave him a very polite “Yes sir!” And drove away smartly knowing there is a new sheriff in town.
I turned to Mayang and smiled as I said: “I can’t think of any place on Earth I’d rather live!”
Live somewhere else, I really don’t think so.
Another great post Paul, I always enjoy them. Last May I took a bus ride from Laguna to Subic Bay with my fiance to drop off her son for training (he’s an electrical engineer wanting to obtain his “book” to work on merchant vessels.) About a half hour or so before reaching Subic our bus passed what looked like a subdivision and a sign that read “Roosevelt Villiage” and , having heard you mention that before wondered if that was where you lived. Anyway, instead of the M80 why just not let your wife buy a good dependable Model 1911? Haha…just a suggestion 🙂
Steve Baker:
The Roosevelt Village is about 5 Klicks prior to my street; we live in a regular Pinoy purok with Chickens and Nipa Houses and stray dogs. I’ve lived a strange and funny situation involving a Colt 1911 before the Navy switched to the Berretta 9mm. Some day over a beer!
I have a dog army that precludes needing a weapon, but if allowed I would.
so if its illegal for a kano to shoot arms in the PI’s,,to deter the unwnted villain I thought give the weopan to your asawa,,,,,then wisely I thought ”’MMMM not a good idea,lol’
Bloodmal;
One could purloin an illegal weapon here, use it to stop a malefactor, wipe it clean and put in into their hand and swear to the heavens they broke in and for reasons you’ll never understand committed suicide.
But I think it is better to keep my dogs then to violate local law.
But I do find it odd that in all countries that ban or are trying to ban weapons you will note that the rich and powerful all have well armed bodyguards.
agree. especially here in Manila with daily CARMAGGEDON
Violet VL:
I grew up in Boston, like Manila there are still narrow streets left over from the 1600’s and that is the cause of snarled traffic. I noticed that Manila drivers have the same problem as Boston drivers (Who are listed as some of the rudest drivers in the US) When they leave Manila they bring all their bad driving habits to the provinces. If I see NCR on the tag I understand that they know no better and forgive them. But if they know their appointment is at 11AM leaving their house at 10:30AM might not be the best idea. And do they collect tickets on the Subic Freeport.
It’s spelled Barcelona.
Larry Pendarvis
So true with the spelling and thank you for taking the time to point that out but maybe as a twist of humor, I wrote it as it’s pronounced in Castilian Spanish, and how it was pronounced to me low those many times I’ve been there.
But yes you are right the proper spelling is Barcelona if you don’t use the Castilian lisp. Or I mis-spelled it and I’m trying to bullshit my way out of it. (You Choose) (LOL)
Ah, the spelling police are out in force today! 😉 Everybody be careful!
Glad it is not my article. I confuse my spell check sometimes.
Spent too much time in school and spelling is still a challenge. Oh well, I’m only perfect on days that don’t end in “Y”.
LeRoy;
Sometimes I feel stubborn and just say; “Damn that Spell Check!” But then this happens.(lol)
Bob;
Had anybody really looked I’ll wager they could find more. My brother Richard was the best speller among the five Thompson Boys, but then Spell Check came along and stole his thunder too.
Let me look it up. I need a dictionary that is in alphabetic order. Wait, what’s another word for Thesaurus?
Larry Pendarvis;
Wow thank you for coming to my aid a second time. (lol) but wouldn’t that be alphabetical order vice alphabetic order? Just to prove that we all err at times as I did earlier on the spelling..
lexicon, is another word for thesaurus (And easier to pronounce) I love synonyms’
Thank you for being a good sport, it’s been fun!
Larry, Ed, it was a just a simple mistake. Seemingly, some of these these guys don’t seem to be too bright anyway!
Jack;
Just who are these none bright guys you mentioned, the post wasn’t clear.
Figure it for yourself! Come on Paul, you will have to learn to take constructive criticism that is all it was. You obviously can’t spell! Simple no excuses!
Jack;
Are you that perfect guy from Tagaytay? If somehow you think referring to someone as dumb is constructive criticisms then I pity those around you. Have you bothered to prove that my spelling of Barthelona was not on purpose? Take a second and plug it into Google and then you really know the definition of what dumb can really be.
And most of us have figured it out our self…
You are funny Paul, had my laugh for the day..
Jack;
I wish I could say the same!
You rushed into judgment in the defense of Larry, who I was joking with using the comments to him,(If you had really read it that would have been clear to see) then he came right back and joked with me. Then you leapt onto this thread with a rude comment, to which I afforded you the benefit of doubt, you rushed back and removed any doubt, I then pointed out to you that your comment was rude. Then you weakly came back with your constructive criticism fantasy. That I doubt even you bought into.
You also rushed in to defend Ed, whom, believe me needs no help from you in defending himself and wasn’t even involved in the spelling conversation. Ed and I banter back and forth all the time with each other and neither of us gets angry.
But here is the difference if you want to keep up a tit for tat exchange. I can do it forever, and I’ll always remain polite.
Paul the word “dumb” wasn’t mentioned! You said it! Go have a lie down, you might feel better. Have a nice day!
Oh Jack;
Not so bright has a new meaning? Blow smoke up someone else’s tailpipe.
I enjoyed the read, Paul. I think most of us who have traveled the world courtesy of Uncle Sam or his counterparts in other countries got the same briefing. Civilians, like your poor British tourist, have to learn the hard way.
I recently read an explanation of British customs written by an American. He said that Brits drive on the left because their cars are built backwards. The same probably applies in Japan.
The local air guns I’ve seen are wildly inaccurate. But, I really like the M80 idea.
Take care,
Pete
Pete;
My friend has a high-end pellet gun with a laser sight and at 150 feet it is quite good, as the beers flowed the laser became flawed.
I understand out British friends prefer the left side because Knights would shake hands while mounted. I’m not sure if they still do it whilst in a car, because traffic in London was pretty bad the last time I drove there. (lol)
Hi Paul,
That’s funny about how some rules and laws are different depending on where you are. How often I’ve thought when watching US news that I forget I’m not in Boston/Providence anymore!
How about in learning to drive you’re taught in the States to be a certain distance from the car in front of you. There are always people that would sometimes tailgate you, but not all the time. Here, all trucks utility vehicles will say “keep distance” but nobody follows that sign, and rides up on every vehicle.
Our Pachero has a wheel cover sign that we got on ebay before coming here.
It’s a big tiger face that says”Please do not get too close” I think it was made in China so the kooky wording is still not heeded either:)
One law that kills me is that a married man can get caught in an affair here and it’s not illegal, but a cheating wife can be arrested and put in jail.
Gives one pause sometimes:)
Queenie
Queenie;
I explained that in Boston we were seriously bad drivers to Violet in a comment above. Tailgating I learned there as a way of life until I joined the Navy and drove in other places and started being fined for it. As for the man woman cheating thing, I see nothing wrong with that (LOL) Just kidding!!!
HaHa easy for you to say!LOL
Queenie:
Yes easy to say, but when you write it it’s a whole different ball of wax.
Hi Paul,
I suspect if you or I cheated on our wives the least of our worries would be jail time. Speaking for myself it might qualify as protective custody.
Enjoyed the article! Sorry to butt in, but I figured you and Queenie would not take offense.
Take care!
Jay
Absolutely right Jay.
We don’t need to cheat, we only need to be falsely suspected or accused of cheating and life instantly goes bad, typically with zero warning, and the big kitchen knife is waved around and stabbed into anything (or anyone) unable to very fast get out of the way. Pity the poor doors, they can’t run away.
We must understand the “why” of it. Whereas most if not all of us are (wifes’s financial errors aside) happy to have a wonderful Pinoy wife, we as a “foreigner” and even more importantly husband now long married to |the asawa”, are their ultimate trophy. Anyone the wife might even remotely think might disturb her cushy life is immediate cause for assault, likely intentionally fatal assault. Strangely though, it’s perfectly ok for the wife to talk to other men, preferably male foreigners or anyone seemingly with tons of money to burn.
Some wannabe women are simply stupid and think that if they mumble something untrue, the wife will abandon the husband so the miscreant girl can have him. Not only will the “girl” not win, but is at best likely to literally get chased down the street by The Big Kitchen Knife, and the wife will make the husband’s life a living hell for a few days until she figures out who was actually lying and the girl’s underlying intentions.
Sadly this happens all too often and surely many readers here have experienced it. Beware, do *NOT* be nice (like say ‘hi’ anywhere or ask the wifes’ new katulong what her name is; such sets off incredible alarm bells in the wifes’ head and if someone so much as looks at you decently, oh what trouble that will bring! Indeed “protective custody” is a good idea.
Hi Jay;
Absolutely not with the offence part, feel free to join in.
With my wife I can run but I can’t hide.
Ai Paul, sometimes you do really make me laugh.
Forgive me for quoting you explicitly where you posted “With my wife I can run but I can’t hide.”
My wife can hide from me (until I start asking around and she’s learned that limit) and I could hide from her if I wanted to, but if we marginally agree on anything, it would be that hiding wouldn’t be so good for our kids nor do we really want to hide too much from each other.
That’s funny Jay–hadn’t thought about it that way!:)
Queenie
Hi Paul
Surprised to see the article today as the prophets of doom at CNN seemed to be suggesting that Luzon was about to be wiped out!
I am like you in that I made some very narrow minded statements and mistakes in early life. Travel abroad has done me the world of good and changed my opinions of the world exponentially. Marrying a beautiful lady from a different race and culture has confirmed to me that my rehabilitation is complete thankfully.
As for knights shaking hands, that might explain the UK but what about India, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Ireland? Ok some were part of the British Empire but Japan certainly wasn’t! Got me thinking actually and I found this – http://www.worldstandards.eu/cars/list-of-left-driving-countries/
Right, back to work! Good to see all is well in Thompsonland.
Cheers
AJ UK
AJ UK
From your link Click here if you want to find out the history behind driving on the left or right.
In the past, almost everybody travelled on the left side of the road because that was the most sensible option for feudal, violent societies. Since most people are right-handed, swordsmen preferred to keep to the left in order to have their right arm nearer to an opponent and their scabbard further from him. Moreover, it reduced the chance of the scabbard (worn on the left) hitting other people.
So that’s what I know about that! (LOL) Sp Places that Great Briton held as trade partners or had colonised, why the US and Canada escaped I’ll never know.
All the Virgin Islands (American and British) drive on the left using American cars, now that was wild.
From the same article, just a bit further down –
In the early years of English colonisation of North America, English driving customs were followed and the colonies drove on the left. After gaining independence from England, however, they were anxious to cast off all remaining links with their British colonial past and gradually changed to right-hand driving. Incidentally, the influence of other European immigrants, especially the French, should not be underestimated. The first law requiring drivers to keep right was passed in Pennsylvania in 1792, and similar laws were passed in New York in 1804 and New Jersey in 1813.
AJ UK;
Hold on there, there were no cars back then!!! (lol) I wonder if Boston ever passed that law as we are all over the road. I never had any problem driving on the left, once I got into the proper side of the car. I remember the people on the sidewalk saying….”Must be a Yank!”
In America we pay taxes to fix our roads and highways and all of it goes in the pockets of the corrupt officials and. We run over potholes all day
Keith;
That proves that both places are ran by the same group. politicians! It could be worst if the UN was in charge! (lol)
Well yes, my birth and first 50years country I could call up the provider and reasonably arrange to have (what is now) DSL moved to new domicile within about 3 days. In the Philippines that is impossible with PLDT within a month, maybe and maybe can’t be done for much longer. That PLDT doesn’t give a flying hoot about existing customers who require connectivity to work to pay PLDT is irrelevant to PLDT.
Strange however that Globe has opened an office and within 24 hours of solid application has guaranteed installatition on the required date 6 days hence.
Funny, eh?
Ed;
Funny eh? Actually no, it’s not funny. With no insult intended, you mentioned DSL, Globe and PLDT, what article were you reading?
Paul, just mentioning a totally unrelated issue “Living in the Philippines”. Sadly and unlike you, I have no privilege to initiate new threads with proper headings. I may only post replies sometimes injecting potentially useful info to readers and yes sometimes confusing threads because I may not properly start a new thread. Sorry if that confused you.
Ed;
Contact Mr. Martin (Owner of this site) and asked about you writing for him, he uses many different writers with different views so maybe you too can contribute. (Use the contact button at the op of the page)
Bob, there is no need to thank me!
Thanks for the suggestion to contact Bob Martin. In fact I did several months ago and Bob kindly explained his terms for bringing a new write onboard. Obviously you already know what those are, and sadly I can’t commit to such a schedule. Bob followed up before I could even write back that he has a waiting list and isn’t accepting any new writers at this time anyway. He did mention that I’m welcome to occasional submit an article that he might post. Good plan but it’s a lot faster to just “comment” in an existing thread; I already have a few that I wrote up to send to Bob yet still languish in /tmp . Sorry for any confusion that might cause.
Ed
It’s been so long that I really didn’t know Bob’s rules. But try the plan where you send him one once in a while. I’d be interested to read it.
Paul, I don’t know what Bobs’ rules might have been when you signed on. Just I can’t meet his for a dedicated author, as he presented them recently. That stated, I’ll continue to post quick responses such as this, and my occasional improperly attributed diatribe. In due course, I’ll send Bob some bunch of delayed stuff that’s not so timely that it can’t just wait .. a few months or years. 🙂 Heh, then I can even send pics with such!
I hail from the days of USENET (effectively last century, mostly before anyone could spell “http” let alone hand-code any), long before all this “social media” nomenclature, back when we would simply respond for global public dissemination or post with an appropriate new subject field, for all to see and comment on, etc. Sigh, things have changed on the ‘net and perhaps not so much for the better. Yet, if I can occasionally contribute then I will and yes there will always be someone who won’t like to know of my experiences or will offer a contrary perspective – and such is what the ‘net was originally built on.
Yes I respect this if Bob’s web site and all that implies, so I’ll just work within the parameters as I’ve been told to date and hope that it benefits someone so that they don’t need to learn what I have, the hard way. Heh, or even the good way! 🙂
Ed;
The negative folks are all ways out there lurking. But view them as you would toilet paper, just part of the job! (lol) If you have something to say, just send it in and see what Bob thinks.
Yes Paul, you’re absolutely right about that, not to mention that in my ‘prior lifetimes’ I may have in my 30-sh years (since way back when) on the ‘net, learned something. I like water (and other appropriate fluids when possible), so call me a duck and I might quack to amuse someone.
Ed
I understand.
Respectfully, as I’m also a licensed driver of about 50 years, last I heard where there is absence of any other clear directive, the vehicle to ones’ immediate *right* has the “right-of-way”. Presumably the “traffic-enforcer” also knows this. U didn’t mention if that applied in your case. Note the salient mention of *immediate* right; you can’t just go around in a proverbial circle to say that 360-90 degrees works out to 270 and that’s your immediate ‘right’ corner. 🙂
Care to elucidate?
Ed;
If I had any idea what you meant I would elucidate my ass off. We are not talking about the car to the right of me waiting to cross the four way intersection. I mentioned we were both going the same direction, using your logic the car to my left should be the one pulled over.
“elucidate” – in this case clarity your instance – which have now kindly done. in which case, last I heard, the person to your immediate left should have waited because you were to his immediate right. That being the case the person to your _left_ who should have been admonished, not you. legal-begals can tell us otherwise.
ED;
By the way we were at the stop sign side by side, so the man to my left (In the Toyota was equally in the right also) The traffic warden was the only one in the wrong, but his badge makes him the one with the power.
Paul, sometimes you actually manage to make me half laugh.
You wrote, and sorry to offend you by quoting to ensure everyone is on the same page, but you posted “Here in the Philippines we drive on what’s left of the road”. Ok that’s true as long as we can agree that here in the Philippines we drive on the *right* side of the road (well, when there’s enough of road to permit that) and whoever is on the right and whoever is to the *immediate* right of you has the “right-of-way”. Too complicated for some? Perhaps and if so they shouldn’t have control of any motor vehicle. Sadly …well that’s another story, go for it Paul!
Ed:
All kidding aside, you’re messing with me, right? Plus making you half laugh? “IT WAS A JOKE” but I’ll assume you didn’t get it.
Sorry Paul, I honestly thought you were seriously posting about a problem legally driving in the Philippines, and I responded accordingly. Yes given my experiences here, you did make me half laugh and I thank you for that.
ED;
Enjoy the laugh we all need that every day. If I have to be totally serious about anything, you’ve not figured out my articles yet. But keep on laughing, it’s good for the soul.
Hi Paul,
You sure covered a lot of ground in this post.
I never got to Barcelona with the Navy, only Gibraltar, but have visited other parts of Spain as a civilian.
I like Malta very much too. Using the “B” word in Malta is akin to singing “My Way” on PH Karaoke, lol.
Talking of Singapore, I’m sure you will remember them banning male tourists with long hair, from the late 60’s to early 80’s. They thought all long haired guys were Hippies and up to no good.
Cheers.
Chas;
Singapore where we short haired sailors finely got a break. Cadiz was close to Gibraltar by car, but they were feuding and the border with Spain was closed. But my Navy took me there. I loved Malta and the people, and the girls with the metal badge on their blouse.
Paul
Another great post indeed, let us not forget about hand gestures as well. When in another country one should also remember the do’s and don’ts of certain hand gestures too. If your anywhere in the Middle East never use the “A-ok”
hand signal to an Arab this means you just gave them the evil eye.
If anyone remembers Bill Clinton’s faux pas during first term as President when he and his staff went to Australia. He rode through the streets of Perth and on the spur of the moment stuck himself out of the open sunroof and gave the crowds the “thumbs up” gesture. In Australia this can be considered an obscene gesture and he had to issue a public apology for it the next day. His staff was highly critized for going out bungy jumping while the President embarrased himself.
When we shipped out for the gulf in 1991 we were given a phamphlet on this kind of stuff, I kind of wish i had kept it
Joseph Murray;
Nine trips to the Gulf both as Navy and a Merchant Seaman and I now see they wanted me to mess up as I was never told about those things. But you’re right even hand gestures can cause a problem.
Joseph thumbs up is Australia is not an obscene gesture..Maybe the Aussies were trying to take the Piss out of Bill…. The two fingers up is an obscene gesture and you might just get a “bunch of fives” if you did it to an Aussie….
Hi Paul, at least you have some traffic laws in subic although some take some understanding, I can’t see why the traffic guy pulled you over as long has you
Waited your turn to go, in Manila it’s just mayhem for anyone that says there
Are good drivers in Manila they are very few, as for knights in old England
Shaking hands that’s why they kept to the left give me a good laugh they would
Probably slice your hand off with their swords, that’s what we were taught all
Those years ago in school they were always being attacked by bandits,
Yes Paul we are a long way from home with different rules we have to adjust to,
Derek in pasig.
Derek;
AJ UK and I proved the hand shacking deal was right but we didn’t use Snopes so we may be wrong. If you act like a nice guy, you are fine with all laws.
Hi again Paul
Taking into account all of the replies to this article, nice and not so nice, getting the joke and not getting the joke, I was wondering how many SMB’s were consumed in the writing of and replying to people in the article?
Has the average consumption gone up and does Bob allow for that when reimbursing you? (for some people, that WAS a joke!)
Tagay
AJ UK
AJ UK
I start my day on computer at about 0330 so I can talk (chat) with my family in the states. And log off at 0900 and take a quick nap. So SMB would be a tad early, even for me. The not so nice folks make a little noise and then skulk back to their mundane existence until they build up the courage to come out of the damp dark place again. I have symphony for them.
Since you mention having “symphony” ‘for them’ (whoever ‘them’ might be), Paul, either here or back ‘there’, your favorite “symphony” would be?
Ed;
The Boston Pops of course! When I was a kid we could get in for free.
Paul you do seem to have problems with your spelling. There are schools here that might be able to help you in this area. Better still, have you considered using your spell check? Just a suggestion no malice intended!
Jack;
Never thought of spell check and without two other people pointing it out first (Be original) how would you have known? Second: why do you care? Third: I really don’t give a crap about your advice. There was malice intended, so don’t bullshit the rest of us. It’s time for you to move on and annoy other people on the internet, because I’m done with this tripe.