Left, right??

Fleet Street from our flat

One of the biggest and most important adjustments for us has been traffic patterns.  For us Americans, the UK traffic patterns are the opposite of what we would expect; cars, buses, and taxis drive on the LEFT side of the road.  I have yet to place myself behind the wheel as I am still attempting to master the art of being a pedestrian.  Every time I cross the street, it's taking my life into my own hands.  As my husband says, we're looking to the left while the cars are blazing from the right.  In order to help me out, the city of London has hints painted on the street.  At 30 years old, you wouldn't think that I would need to be reminded to "Look Both Ways", but I've found that to be a helpful tip.  Of greater benefit are the hints that direct me to "Look Right" or "Look Left" sometimes I'm even provided an arrow!!

There are a number of different ways to cross the street here in the UK.  You can cross at a cross walk, you can jay walk (and pray that you've diligently looked BOTH ways), or you can cross where you see poles with blinking yellow lights (see picture).  These lights are constantly blinking and warn drivers to yield to the pedestrians that may occupy the road.  I am not terribly confident that drivers will stop, so in my mind, this method of street crossing is equivalent to jay walking - look BOTH ways!!

Pole with blinking yellow light

Vehicles driving on the left side is one thing, but did you know that walking on the left is the standard as well??  Even stairs and escalators direct foot traffic to the left!  It's quite different, but I'm attempting to  modify and adapt habits without injuring myself or others.  So far I've been successful.  I hope that continues!

Escalator in H&M

Escalator in Westminster tube stop