(Susi) We have been doing a LOT of walking each day. Yesterday I wore my exercise watch to measure (via GPS) just how far we actually went in a day, turning it on each time we got off the bus etc. By the end of the day it measured.... almost 16 km!!!

No wonder we are exhausted at the end of the day. :-)

Some of the differences here: far less driving. Parking in cities is very difficult so much easier to take transit or walk. And the transportation systems are amazing! It is easy to find a bus to go anywhere we want, and they come by very frequently. I love riding the double decker buses that are everywhere, from the top the view is quite wonderful.

Jaywalking! This is another difference. Not only is it permitted but it is even encouraged. No one waits for the walk signal. At most busy intersections you cross in stages, first across the lanes going in one direction, wait in the middle on a special area, and then as soon as traffic stops, cross the other half! I'm amazed at how they know when traffic is stopping, we haven't totally mastered that yet and are usually a second or two behind.

Today we are aiming for some additional excitement and are picking up a rental car for the next 10 days as we continue on to Bath and the northern parts of England.....