One of the biggest differences between a medium-large American city and Stuttgart (or any other German city) is the presence of excellent mass transportation.  The “S-Bahn,” “U-Bahn,” and “Straßenbahn” all link together, and, combined with busses, provide easy access to the entire city with a minimum of fuss.  Sibylle and I have made great use of a the all-zones ticket, exploring various parts of the city. America is the land of the car, and everyone drives every where, but I think we are missing something.  I thoroughly enjoy catching a train and then transfering to a small local train, before walking a block or two to the destination of the day.  I will miss the convenience next Monday morning when I am sitting in traffic on I-35 on my way to work.