Growing up it was common to hear "buenos días". Buying un cachito y un café en la panadería, entering a store, or even when casually crossing glances with a stranger on the street, gently nodding as you passed each other.

I later moved to New York (I was looking for something). One day I got on the elevator to go down for a walk and there were a couple of people inside. I said "good morning" when I walked in, as you do. No one responded. Different customs for different places, I thought. That feeling stuck with me, suddenly realizing that something as common as acknowledging the presence of others around you is not how things are done here. We're not in Caracas anymore.

I've since left New York, (I found what I was looking for) but that's still something I think about a lot. I didn't go back home, but I did find a place where every day people say hi to each other, and it creates a warm and fuzzy feeling, one of being part of something larger than myself.

I'm happy I'm here. gm.