It’s Sunday and tourists are everywhere. It’s easy to spot them, mostly it’s through their clothes. It’s one of these three: they are in their winter collection (props to Kiko for this phrase [and its context]) on a really hot day; they are in their summer collection on a foggy day; or they are in their confused clothing collection (skimpy shorts, flip flops, scarf, bonnet, long sleeves/thick jacket).
It’s so hot here today, and I just heard someone say “Ang lamig dito!” Gotcha, tourist. There are some who look like they don’t want to be here, some who are evidently here for the first time, and some who have been here so many times they already have a routine for when they’re here.
For the first timers, I just want to know, after you’ve seen Baguio, can you say that it lived up to your expectations? Was it everything you ever dreamt of? Or when you got here and it was scalding hot, were you monumentally disappointed?
Most people go here because of the cold. It’s safe to say they go here because they hope for better things. If Baguio could talk, I would like to ask her: When these tourists leave and got what they need from you, did they make an effort to make you a better place before they left… or is it the other way around?
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I find that I am more generous with tip when a taxi driver is careful and quiet (but sometimes if he starts a conversation and asks intelligent questions or is just plain polite, I tip a lot too). But if he is rude and drives like a maniac, I give the exact amount.
Jang teases me about how I prefer drivers who drive sooo slow. She likes it when the taxi’s fast. I told her I may become one of those old ladies who worry too much. Those who become so scared of public transport that they will just walk to and from wherever. I am especially scared of intersections. I have to remind myself not to think bad thoughts whenever a taxi I am in is speeding because, Law of Attraction, right?
Of course it is so easy to just tell the driver to please slow down, but in time it will get tiring, you know? Plus, Jang keeps saying we’re going to be fine. And most times it’s just so easy to choose to believe her.