It’s funny how the human mind can be conditioned. Given a certain set of circumstances, we will act in a certain way, but if circumstances change, our reaction to a certain event may be exactly the opposite.
Yesterday, I wrote an article about our Easter Sunday trip to Buda for lunch with Father Franco. During our drive up there, at one point during the trip I found myself following a police vehicle. A Davao City 911 vehicle to be exact. Without even a second thought, I pulled over into the left lane and passed the guy in a heartbeat, without a second thought. As I moved down the road, I looked into my rear view mirror and saw the 911 vehicle fading into the horizon.
After noticing that police vehicle fading in my rear view mirror, a thought struck me. You know, a decade ago, when I lived in the United States, I can remember I would be driving down the highway, and ended up following behind a police car, suddenly I, as any other driver would do, made sure that everything was just right.
- Was I remaining below the speed limit?
- Was I driving carefully?
- Was my seatbelt on?
- Was everything about my driving just perfect?
If any of these things was not just perfect, I had to recalibrate myself, make sure that I was on my best behavior. After all, I was right behind the police, and if I was not on my best behavior they might pull me over and issue me a citation!
However, here I was moving down the highway between Davao City and Buda. Ended up behind a police car. Did I check my speed? Heck no… I only knew that I wanted to go faster than he was going! I was not driving erratically or anything, but nothing special either. Well, I did have my seatbelt on, though (I’ve gotten into the habit since getting ticketed last year). Other than that, though, I really gave it no second thought or any special care at all when I whipped over to the oncoming lane and zipped past the officer. I didn’t have a care in the world!
As I thought about this, I was really amazed at the difference in my attitude compared to a decade ago! It sure feels nice to be more carefree too, compared to getting all uptight about what the police might think! Frankly, I was not endangering anybody, so why should I be worried, after all?
It makes me happy to be living in a society where I don’t generally have to be on guard, where I can live a more laid back way of life.
It’s also nice that I can pass the police car if I feel like it! Ha ha….
Hi Bob,
Just out of curiosity….are there no speed limits where you were???If you were speeding why did he not pull you over??
Just idle curiosity speaking !!!!
I've passed a couple in my time Bob a good feeling too …Phil n Jess
Hi Tyleen – Are there speed limits in the Philippines? Well… from time to time you see a sign with a posted speed on it, but rarely. Even when there is a speed limit posted, it really is not something that is enforced. Pretty much, there are two rules for traffic in the Philippines:
1. Don't cause an accident.
2. The larger vehicle generally has the right of way.
If you follow these rules, you can do pretty much anything else you want without worry of getting into any kind of trouble.
Hi Phil – It's kind of a good feeling to have no worries about doing that… don't you think?
Kamusta ka Bob,
You Rebel!! 🙂
Just kidding Bob, I can see what you mean by this article, is almost another mindset you are in there, gradually changing with the culture and way of life there in the Philippines.
I can see we all will need to be like the "Chameleon", and blend in with our surroundings. There will be a new scents of freedoms there as well, in a more laid back society.
Salamat kaayo,
Danny
Hi Danny – Exactly! In some aspects of life, things are much looser here, more free and laid back. In other aspects of life things are less free for an expat here. It's a balancing act, Danny. I do enjoy it here, though.
Hi Bob – Don't know if I could change that much – I've already "gone native" in many respects. I've had similar moments of realization, but find that a San Miguel or two helps me get over them. 😆
Hi Bob,
I enjoyed your article about your visit with Father Franco and your Easter visit them. Tyleen ask the the same question that I was gonna ask about the speed limits. So my question is what about other signs,like mileage to other towns, highway marker signs at enter sections,and distance to other towns? How do the highways compare to the ones here in the states? Seems to me like there would be a lot of really bad accidents with little speed limits enforced like the one in your last post involving the truck accident and jeepney.
Guess you don't have to worry too much about your driving record.
Thank You, Dale
Hi Paul – I think maybe you've been dipping into the San Mig too much</strong, Paul! I don't drink, so my mind remains clear! Well… I did have a shot of liqueur at Fr. Franco's place! 😯
Hi Dale – Signs of all types are somewhat rare, I'd say, especially out in the province. Accidents are not seen often, here, to be honest. It is a rare day that I ever see a traffic accident. Much less common than back in the States.
Bob: I think the reason that there are fewer accidents here is in part due to the fact that it is difficult to travel at very high speeds in towns and cities here. The traffic prevents sufficient speed for serious accidents. The accidents I usually see are normally from overloaded tricycles or from motorbikes weaving around traffic and the driver doesn't see them.
Hi John – Yeah, I would tend to agree with you on this.
Hi Bob- I think you forgot about the other important road rule in the Philippines, you know the one about " if you run somebody over and they are not dead…." I think you know how it goes.he he
Hi Anthony – Yes, this is very true.
Yes I do Bob ..Phil n Jess
Evening Bob,
I'm here in Davao and today was my first full day on the town. I think driving here prepares one for the Indy 500! The taxi I took over to Victoria Plaza scared the heck out of me. The driver passed a slow moving tricycle while a vehicle in the opposite direction was quickly approaching. I was looking for the no passing sign as there was the obvious winding road/blind spot ahead. After the successful driving skills were demonstrated, I thought this is crazy! Then again, it's the norm here. Guess I can get used to it, eh?
P.S. See you for coffee this week?
Cheers!
Hi Henry – Glad to know that you made it safely! Don't worry about the driving, leave it to the taxi drivers!
Hey, for coffee.. I had to cancel my regular coffee get – togethers. Is it possible that you could meet me Friday at 10am at Bo's Coffee on F. Torres Street? If you don't know where that is, call me – (0917) 216-0300 – and let's schedule something.
Where are you staying, by the way?
Hi Bob – Wish that was true! 😉
Actually, it's the "Mind Matters Medication" that seems to have the most effect on me right now, with regard to accepting the environment I'm in. 😆
I think we are all conditioned to our own enviornments and when these enviornments are changed, over a period of time we adapt to one extent or another to our new surroundings. Adapting to a new enviornment may not always be the most pleaseant thing and some of the changes we make may not even be noticeable to each and every individual.
Hi Bob,
Well, Jeanette decided against Azienda Meo and chose Josefina Condotel. I didn't have reservations at Josefina, but she went there and got us a room! To my surprise, the attendant on duty remembered me and welcomed us back. This time, we got a 3-bedroom unit for the same price as a 2-bedroom. When the owner heard that I returned, she threw in a free night's stay, too!
Sure, I can meet you on Friday! I'm here until next Wednesday, so let the fun begin!
Hi Paul – Just teasing you! 😆
Hi Bob NY – Yes, I think that is true. And some adaptations are more enjoyable than others.
Hi Henry – That sounds like a nice deal from your friends at Josefina! See you Friday!