Crossing the street abroad is never easy. Here's a review of my experience crossing the street in different cities this month.
I always have difficulty crossing the street in other countries. There's always a technique, and it always takes a long time to figure out.
Massachusetts
Having lived in Massachusetts all my life, I'm very used to crossing the street. Like any suburb or city, there is a cross walk and signal. When the white man lights up, you cross. When the red man is up, you stay put. Cars need to yield to pedestrians; if they don't, the driver needs to pay a fee, the offense ends up on their record, and they can go to jail. The consequences are pretty dire, and people take them very seriously.
Paris
Paris attempts to have the crosswalk and signal technique as well. The main difference is that the streets are smaller, and despite this, drivers decide to go at an extremely fast, bumpy pace. Drivers stop when the light is red, but they're in such a rush that the car explodes just as the light switches to green. For some reason, there is a need for speed. I would say, however, that drivers in Paris are very attentive and quick to stop; unfortunately, a good stop costs you a good headache. Don't eat your croissant while crossing; pay attention.
Rome
When in Rome, walk everywhere. If you're ready to face the heat, walking in Rome is really easy because everything is so close. The only issue is the drivers who want to run you over. When I went to Rome, I was always under the impression that they wanted to get me. Don't cross. Just wait. In fact, stay cool in a nice gelato store instead of getting hit. The streets in Rome aren't even streets. Similar to Paris, the streets are extremely thin. In Rome, however, the streets can sometimes be mistaken for sidewalks because they're made of stones/ bricks instead of pavement. All you need to know: it's not a side walk.
Lucena
It's more relaxed in Lucena. While the streets are also small and there are no explicit rules, it's not the hardest place to walk in. Most of the time tricycles, jeepneys, and cars will be stuck together at an intersection, and that is your time. Stay on the side walk and use your gutt. If your gutt doesn't work, cross with people who look like they know what they're doing. In this case, walking is safer than riding on some sort of transportation.
Candelaria
Similar to Lucena, Candelaria is loose. In many parts of Candelaria, however, there are fewer vehicles. In this way, it's easier for pedestrians to cross. Enjoy that walk to Jollibee!
Makati
Makati is the most orderly of the notable cities I've been to this month. Similar to the United States, there is a cross walk. When the green man blinks on, people cross. Different from the United States, you're given 60 seconds to cross instead of 10-20. That crosswalk is yours. Feel free to take a dance break as you walk; you've got time.
Pasig
Again, beware of crossing. In Pasig, the drivers are quick and rarely stop. During those few times when they stop and wave at you to cross, take it. They are rare occurrences. You can tell if someone isn't from the area too because they hesitate and cross very slowly whereas the people from the area cross quickly and with ease. I'm still working on it. Take the side roads if you know what's good for you. I hope to master this cross by the end of my internship. Wish me luck!
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