Well, I'm sitting inside the bus terminal, waiting, looking at people. When a raggedy old pigeon lands on a seat about a few feet away, the folks nearby smile awkwardly, look alarmed, and share significant glances with those who have noticed the strangely behaving bird. Look at that! Don't let it bite me! It better not crap on my suitcase!

Why is it that certain bonds form among those who happen to be travelling together? When we are by ourselves in unfamiliar territory, perhaps we are more likely to reach out to other folks who are passing by. On the road (when we travel) social conditions appear to be different — there are fewer trappings of peer groups (when travelling solo) and class distinction (on buses, anyhow — there's only general seating). Inhibitions may be lower; at times like this it seems easy to open up to strangers… why not share stories, thoughts, and such?

Another question: why do people find pigeons to be so scary? Something about that blank stare, that bobbing head…