Recently, I was asked if anything in England surprised me. After some thought, I realized that there were quite a few things that stood out.

Let's start with public spaces. Here are a few examples that particularly struck me:

1. Almost no curbs between the road and the sidewalk. In Russia, curbs are usually quite high, whereas here they are typically no more than 3-5 cm.
2. The streets are narrow, making it seem like they were designed for only one car. This forces drivers to be very attentive and careful.
3. The sidewalks are so narrow that it's difficult for two people to pass each other. Sometimes you have to literally press yourself against the wall to let a pedestrian pass.
4. Playgrounds in cemeteries. This fact truly surprised me. Perhaps it symbolizes respect for life and death, but it looks quite unusual.
5. Roundabouts with landscaping. They look like small parks or gardens. Instead of boring concrete circles, you have green oases amidst the asphalt.
6. Many cyclists and parked bicycles on the streets. This gives the city a special character and makes it more environmentally friendly and convenient for getting around.

Each of these observations reveals something new and unexpected about the culture and infrastructure of England, making everyday life here unique and interesting.

#photo #life