The subway doors slid closed too fast. There was nothing I could do but stare at the three Americans inside the metro car and wave as they slid away, slowly at first, then faster down a tunnel beneath the streets of Barcelona, Spain. So much for that great hostel they promised, or more importantly, the company of three guys who shared my language and culture. That day was the low point of my three and a half month trip backpacking across Europe by myself. I was lonely and homesick and second-guessing the whole idea of the trip. I tried not…
I am amazed by the kindness of strangers. It makes me rethink my whole concept of humanity. I took a risk and lost. Those of you who’ve played cards with me know I love to bluff and am horrible at it (which explains why you know it). I thought it was a sure bet, but I was wrong. I was positive a train would be leaving the Madrid station sometime after I got there. But there wasn’t. There weren’t any trains leaving until the next morning. Worse yet, the station was closing. And the hostels listed in my book shut…