I spend about ten hours a week on buses. I sold one car and gave the other away, and feet, buses and the odd taxi turned out cheaper and quicker. Out of my control for two hours a day, I stay alert, and that is a purpose in itself.
I can tell a lot from how a man walks, and the shoes he chose.
I notice backs of heads, scalps, arms, legs, skin and eyes. I watch how people move and navigate life, and I know they watch me. Done well, observation is tiring. Most of my energy goes on it.
Who talks
On the bus it is only the older men and women who talk, among themselves and with the driver. I sit as close to them as I can now. Bus stops and stations show you the real condition of a place, better than any review.
The order that matters
Eyes, then ears, then face, then mouth. Watch, listen, ask the right question, let your face respond, then speak. Actions over words. I believe observation will matter more, because listening has always mattered and it is disappearing fast.