On Maps
I had basic geography subject when I was in high school, but I never really paid attention to it. Like many Pinoys who are not as adept in maps compared to our foreign counterparts (especially Americans and Europeans), maps did not seem to be a basic necessity for me when I travel.
Many times, I have seen that by nature, Pinoys are accommodating and because of this, I have been so used to asking around in case I’d get lost somewhere or am not sure of my route. Another possible reason is the fact that by default, it’s no big deal for me when I’d get lost. It’s not like I’d lose my shirt over a wrong turn or something like that unlike some people (I know some of them do).
It’s only recently when I realized that a map can be my friend especially when traveling out of the country and when faced with security concerns (i.e. you’re in a dangerous place).
My former boss was the one who taught me my basic geography. Whenever we’d travel together for fieldwork, he never stopped to amaze me with his proficiency in understanding maps. Even if it’s our first time to go to a certain place, he could tell prior to arriving there how many minutes it would take for us to get there (but he would want you to tell him facts in terms of kilometers rather than minutes), how many railroads, bridges, and other landmarks we’d meet along the way and whether it’s going to be a smooth or rough ride.
One instance was our fieldwork in Batangas. I’ve been there many times because that’s the hometown of my dad (although it’s been ages since I went there again) whereas my boss would only be there for the first time. I was so stunned that he seemed to know the innards of the place more than I did. Our driver felt the same way and I remember him telling me once, “Wow, what a guy. He doesn’t seem to get lost. He can get you lost but you can never get him lost.”
He is a British guy by the way and his resume said that he graduated with honors in archeology and geography with master degrees to boot on both. I felt really fortunate to have worked with him. If there’s something I learned from my former boss, this would be on geography (just the basics lest you think I’m a pro) and the importance of having a map with you.
Maps: