For example, I can now gather correct change--accurately and efficiently--from a handful of pounds and pence.
[Funny money]
I can understand (nearly) everything a local says to me.
And, I can cross a busy road with (almost) no fear of getting hit by oncoming traffic!
That last skill was a particularly helpful one to learn because anyone who's ventured to the UK from a right-hand-driving country knows, when it comes to traffic, things are a bit different than they are back home...
It was no doubt after a long and disheartening look at the years pedestrian injury statistics (and a realization that a large number of those injuries were caused by a pedestrian simply stepping into oncoming traffic after verifying that there was no traffic oncoming from the wrong direction) that city officials deciding the pain and suffering saved by painting a simple two-word advisory at the onset of every pedestrian crosswalk well outweighed the cost. Although I can't thank those people enough, I also still can't force myself to cross a busy street with total faith in those two little words.
Through much trial and error over the past week, I've come up with a simple protocol to ensure one never gets hit by an oncoming automobile.
And, I can cross a busy road with (almost) no fear of getting hit by oncoming traffic!
That last skill was a particularly helpful one to learn because anyone who's ventured to the UK from a right-hand-driving country knows, when it comes to traffic, things are a bit different than they are back home...
It was no doubt after a long and disheartening look at the years pedestrian injury statistics (and a realization that a large number of those injuries were caused by a pedestrian simply stepping into oncoming traffic after verifying that there was no traffic oncoming from the wrong direction) that city officials deciding the pain and suffering saved by painting a simple two-word advisory at the onset of every pedestrian crosswalk well outweighed the cost. Although I can't thank those people enough, I also still can't force myself to cross a busy street with total faith in those two little words.
Through much trial and error over the past week, I've come up with a simple protocol to ensure one never gets hit by an oncoming automobile.
- Approach the intersection and look left for oncoming traffic (I know, I know, traffic generally approaches from the right, but certain habbits die hard. If clear, move on to step two.
- Look down.
- Follow the written instructions (using the above example, LOOK RIGHT). If clear move on to step four.
- Before advancing check the pedestrian sign to insure the 'little green man' sign is illuminated.
- Before advancing check the left once more (just to be sure).
- If all is still clear, check once more to the right to insure no bicyclists have 'popped out' onto the road from a side street.
- Walk briskly across the street!
If you have followed the above instructions carefully, you should now find yourself advancing confidently across the throughway! Congratulations--you're well on your way to being a Londoner!
-Cheers!
Dan
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