*** Tips: Traffic ***

Here's how it goes with crossing the street:

America:

• You are a pedestrian.
• You have the right of way.
• Cars will stop for you.
• Carry on.

Germany:

• You are a pedestrian.
• You do not have the right of way.
• Cars will not stop for you.
• You better darn well move out of the way unless you want the street sweepers to be peeling you off the road like a pancake.

Oh, yeah. And that bus is on a schedule. It's not stopping for you to cross the street, either.

Overall, everybody here gets the program and knows how it all works, though you might see some crossings that make most Americans gasp and twitch. But you should just keep in mind that while it's less organized than in the States, it still works. You'll have to get over the fact that jay-walking is often normal walking here.

Please, people. Just be safe and smart when you're crossing the street in other countries, and do very much look both ways (twice).