curiosity #4.

Something that I find really lovely here is that when you are on a bus, there is a certain sense of camaraderie and civility among the passengers. I've never utilized buses so much in my entire life, so I'm not sure if this is common in other countries, but on particularly crowded buses in Rio, people who are sitting hold the "standing person's" belongings on their lap. (Cariocas NEVER put their bags on the floor-- ever. I think it's because the floors are dirtier here than in the US, but it's interesting how Americans don't think twice about putting a purse or backpack on the ground.) It's a nice gesture, because as someone who often doesn't find a seat on the bus, trying to stay upright, not bump into people, and keep yourself steady takes 90% of your strength and attention, so it's frustrating to be bothered by your backpack which won't stay on, keeps getting shoved into your back by other people who are standing around you, or whatever.

Of course, there are times when no one offers to hold my things, but usually they do. And I appreciate it.