Traffic

 

The traffic was very congested in some areas, especially in Manilla.  By looking at the taxis and jeepneys you can see the inovation that Filipinos are known for.  Sometimes they'll combine parts from different makes and models of motorcycles, so you'll see two or three different logos on one bike.  However, since there are many old vehicles on the road and there are no emissions control there is alot of pollution.  Therefore, many people walk around with handkerchiefs over their face to avoid inhaling the pollutants.  It is no surprise that we see many complication due to upper respiratory issues.  Then they attach a side car to that motorcycle to add more passengers.  Riding on the back of the motorcycle was one of the scariest rides of my life.  The driver was weaving in and out of traffic through both sides of the road and my legs were dangling off the side so I kept thinking I was going to get hit.  They don't use turning signals out there and the they constantly cross double yellow lines to overtake other cars, even if there's oncoming traffic from the opposite direction.  The unspoken rule is the bigger car wins, so if the smaller car usually just pulls over to the side when two cars are heading towards each other in the opposite direction.

We didn't help the traffic as when we were riding in the back of an open top vehicle or if we were standing outside we would stop the traffic.  The drivers would stop and stare or take pictures.

The last picture I got off the internet, but I did see 5 people on a motorcycle including a baby.  Sometimes they attach a long wooden board to the seat of the motorcycle so that people can sit on the board which hangs off the side of the motorcycle.  It seems crazy, but I guess if you gotta get there you gotta get there at all costs.  It really made me grateful for my car to say the least.