Dirtgirl,
Congratulations and I am glad to hear you are happy with the bike you chose. It is a beaut.

I do like road biking much better than mtb for the reason you mentioned. Yes, you get to see and pay attention to all that is around you. I find with mtb I have to constantly be thinking and alert, the mind cannot wonder. But is just me. I like mtb for a switch in biking.

Having to be constantly alert might make for no boring rides, however. Continue to enjoy your bike and I hope you find a saddle that your are more comfortable with.

~JoAnn