a conversation with another passenger on the bus, a shopkeeper, or beach merchant can randomly lead to an invite to an uncle's party, the warm exchange of personal stories, and the ready provision of advice and help - in this way, within minutes it can feel as though cariocas have been friends since childhood.

offering guidance and assistance is second nature to the people of rio as well, especially for those who are lost or in need - this creates a kinship between people, founded on material and emotional generosity, which is very rare to match throughout the world. 

through verbal, emotional, and physical tenderness, cariocas break down social boundaries and discomfort, getting to the heart of what unites human beings.