Orange Streetlights and Getting Lost
While talking about cars and why there should be less of them, I was suddenly reminded of how much I loved walking around in (frankly dangerous) Metro Manila at night. There were barely any cars or buses, even in the previously congested main avenues. There is a feeling of freedom to be had in crossing previously busy, and deadly, highways without any fear of getting run over by a rich asshole speeding on cocaine and bad attitude.
Looking back at it now, I think I only got away with walking around in the middle of the night because at that time, I really did feel like (and look like, no doubt) another street rat. I absolutely had nothing to lose and only had, I think PHP 100 in my pocket (probably less, during that time). I honestly enjoyed seeing the Metro at night.
The constant rush of people trying to fulfill their obligations to the demon Money was gone. There was just cool and crisp air, not the purest, but as pure as it could get in a world choked by concrete and glass. The din and cacophony of loud, poison-belching machines gives way to the sound of a few lost souls trying to make their way back home. The stark contrast, once experienced, is transformative.
Empty streets.
Orange streetlights.
Lost souls.
I was one of them, trying to make their way home - whether home meant a house, a bottle of beer or a strip of foil with demonic substances on them is up to them.