If you plan to visit the US, particularly San Diego, here are some tips and info bites.
A few things to remember when walking on the sidewalk footpaths in San Diego.
These are based on observations during my trip here in June 2024.
1. Unlike in India or Japan, vehicles drive on the right side of the road.
2. Don’t be surprised if you see people eating on the sidewalk footpaths.
This is common out here and you will still be left with enough space to walk.
3. Street-side parking is not free.
Nothing is free, for that matter, in America - the land of the free.
Ticket vending machines are available at regular intervals, so you don’t have to walk much.
They accept cards and coins.
Note: Currency notes are called bills in the US.
4. Wherever applicable, boards with detailed instructions and information are erected everywhere.
Take time to read them to avoid breaking rules inadvertently.
5. Landscaping elements like flower beds are placed everywhere in San Diego.
Do not pluck the flowers, there could be CC TV cameras nearby.
Always use the Zebra Stripes on the road.
Crossing elsewhere is called Jay Walking and is heavily fined.
Do not be surprised if the cops appear out of nowhere.
Also, most zebra crossings have a button to push that will request the walk signal green so you can cross the street safely.
6. Do not use secluded places and pockets.
Clear instructions are written for pet defecating.
Also, I saw some free, yes actually free, dog waste bags at one place in San Diego.
7. Newspaper and magazine vending machines are also available at regular intervals.
These are usually coin operated.
8. Color-coded maps are available at major places.
Just locate where you are on the Map, and you are good to go.
9. Occasionally you may see an amazing public clock.
These are typically a century old and are becoming rare.
Spend a few seconds gazing at them appreciating how they stood the test of time and the winds and the snow and the rains.
They are an inspiration.
10. A major attraction on Market Street in San Diego is the streetlamps also called Gas Lamps.
A few decades ago, they were lit up using gas, and the entire area is now called the Gas Lamp Quarter - one of the top tourist spots in town.
11. Finally, here are the Hop on - Hop off tour buses seen on the streets of San Diego.
Some are cute pink and red while others look like alien crafts 
The metro tram in San Diego runs at road level and there are no signals at the crossings and no horn for the tram - just watch out before crossing.
Have you been to a country outside your own?
Have seen some unusual rules to follow or tips to share?
Kindly comment.
