SA & PCP

Did you immediately think drugs?

Well, you’re not too far off topic. SA stands for Situational Awareness and PCP is the acronym for Perception, Comprehension and Projection.

You must adopt these safety mechanisms during your daily travels.

Perception- what I feel, taste, hear, smell and see

Comprehension- my experience, memory and training

Projection- what’s going to happen next, reading the room

On my trip to Rio de Janeiro, I studied the culture, language and daily attire of the locals. I have a sixth sense when it comes to safety.

As I trotted down Copacabana, my perception was on high alert.? I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin, tasted the aroma of street food from nearby vendors, heard the laughter of children playing, and saw families enjoying the beach. But amidst this seemingly serene scene, my finely tuned senses detected something amiss.

My comprehension kicked in, drawing from years of experience and training. I remembered stories of pickpockets operating in crowded places and knew that my intuition was seldom wrong. With a calm demeanor, I discreetly adjusted my backpack to my chest and slipped my phone into my secret waist pouch.

Continuing along the beach, my projection mode engaged. I scanned the the pathway reading the area for any unusual behavior. Suddenly, I spotted a man lingering near a group of distracted tourists, his eyes darting nervously. He seemed out of place, and my instincts told me he was up to no good.

Without causing a scene, I decided to approach the group, striking up a friendly conversation and keeping my eyes on him. My goal was to divert their attention away from the suspicious man. Through my engaging conversation, I kept them distracted, and they remained oblivious to the potential threat.

The man, realizing he had no opportunity to strike, hastily left. My situational awareness and PCP skills had successfully thwarted a possible theft, ensuring the safety of the unsuspecting tourists.

I knew that being aware of my? surroundings and applying perception, comprehension, and projection were not just skills for me but a valuable safety mechanism for everyone.

As I proceeded down Copacabana, a foreigner with an English accent approached me. He said “Tudo Bem”. I immediately replied Tudo Bom. He was basically saying “What’s up?”…in Portuguese. Afterwords, he asked if I spoke English. “Voce fala inglise?” I replied “Sim” Yes, and began speaking English.

As we strolled along the beach, my encounter with the friendly Englishman added a delightful twist to my day. We chatted about the vibrant culture of Rio, and he was amazed by my familiarity with the local customs and my ability to blend in.

He mentioned that it was his first day in Rio, and I couldn't help but offer a few tips about the city's hidden gems and must-visit spots. It was a warm exchange, a cultural bridge between our two worlds, and we shared a good laugh as we discussed the local attire.

With a sense of camaraderie, we parted ways, and I continued my exploration and my situational awareness remained intact. I couldn't help but notice that as I walked, there were occasional glances from fellow tourists in my direction. It dawned on me that, thanks to my attire and demeanor, I indeed looked like a local. This realization brought my focus back as a reminder that even in a foreign land, blending in and understanding the local customs played a significant role in personal safety. By adopting the attire and attitudes of the locals, I had inadvertently minimized the risk of becoming a target for potential thieves or scammers.

As I reached the end of my journey, I couldn't help but reflect on the importance of situational awareness. My trip to Rio de Janeiro had not only been an incredible adventure but also a lesson in how understanding and adapting to your surroundings can enhance your safety and enrich your travel experiences. Whether at home or abroad, the skills of perception, comprehension, and projection are valuable tools for ensuring a smooth and secure journey.

Flip-flops, shorts and a tank tops is what 95% of men wear in Rio. And 20% of those men go shirtless. Always conduct your research before you travel abroad and dress like the locals so you don’t become a target.

Thanks for reading!