Toilets
> In the USA, many public toilets are activated by pressure/weight ie when you finish and stand up, it automatically flushes.
> Have noticed an abundance of plungers at both private and public toilets. What does this mean?
> The water level is much higher in the bowl, than in Australia, so be alert to this and don't accidentally paddle your fingers in the loo water while "cleaning up" ...
Pedestrian walk signs
> In the USA, most have a light display countdown showing how many seconds are left for you to cross before the lights change.
> Bird noises, rather than annoying blips, are sometimes used to indicate to sight-impaired people that it is ok to cross.
Precincts
> Many cities in the USA and Canada seems to be divided clearly into precincts. Not just your Chinatown and nightclub area etc, but there is usually a gay precinct (to live and work) that is usually indicated by rainbow flags lining the street. In the case of Vancouver, this is also indicated by pretty pink public infrastructure like bus shelters and light poles.
Currency
> Just to confuse me, the 10 cent coin is smaller than the five cent coin in both the USA and Canada.
Dogs
> They rule here! OK! Nothing more to add to that ...
Bikes
> Both USA and Canada so far are very bike friendly and encourage their use. Bikes often have their own lanes to ride in and buses have bike racks on the front.
