Just when I thought I couldn't be moved like I was in Italy, I'm presented with a new surprise. I was unpacking my things in my new hostel and I heard one of my favorite songs by Adele coming from outside my room. A song I often play on repeat when I'm on my patio in San Diego is "Someone like you" by Adele.
I think everyone can relate to this song. For me, I do because someone I once loved moved on and got married. Even though it had been years since we've been apart, nonetheless, it was heart breaking to hear of the news. I guess you always just think you have more time.
All of Adele's music is so personal and moving, I love it. So much, that my friend Lauren back in Cali bought me tickets to the concert for next week. That is one thing I'm really excited about upon my return.
Now in my hostel I could hear one of my favorite songs echoing through the hallways. It sounded like a live concert. Barefoot, I tip toed around the windy hallways, following the voice as it grew louder and louder. I turned the last corner and two girls were sitting in the dark hallway on the floor. One was playing the ukulele and one was singing. Her voice was the most captivating voice I had ever heard in person. Since the hallway was so narrow, it filled the halls with her beautiful tune. Shy, she paused and I told her that was one of my favorite songs and asked her to keep singing. I sat down with them and the girls began again. I'll post the video on Facebook for you to hear. I had goose bumps listening to her sing, it was so amazing.
After she finished, they introduced themselves. Vivian was here for a traveling music group and was practicing for tonight. They were from Holland. We talked about our favorite singers and love for music. They were excited to hear I was in from California because they think of movie stars and singers. I told them that I live in San Diego and there's no actual stars there. We talked about their favorite American artists, they love a lot of our music. Vivian asked me if there was another song I wanted to request so sang again for me, this time Taylor Swift. She was extremely talented and I sat in the hallway and listened to them just in awe. They invited me to come down to the common area later tonight for their little show.
I took a nap and then when I woke, I had two new roommates. They were Italian. They did not speak any English so I had to show them how to use the lockers in all sign language. I pulled my iPod out of my bag and had basic conversation with them, their name, how long they were traveling. They got excited to be able to speak. One of the guys reached for Italian crackers out of his bag and handed then to me. He motioned how good they were and that I must try. I was starting to wonder why everyone keeps trying to feed me, do I look ill? I would think by now, I would look like I need to take a break from food. I thanked them for the delicious snack and told them it was very good so he reached back into his bag and handed me another. I told them I was okay but he insisted since I enjoyed the first one so much. Everyone was so generous here. I met the next wave of roommates and they were not as friendly. They were from Oklahoma. They didn't say very much to us. I did get that vibe on this trip that most Americans were not as friendly to me as foreigners, excluding Lisa of course.
I Skyped my dad for a minute to say hi and then headed down to meet back up with the French guys. They were making up some sandwiches in the common area and asked me to join. They bought all kinds of groceries at the market. We constructed these gourmet sandwiches with fine cheese, meats and spreads while they gave me a hard time for being an American. It turned out that the one French guy went to school in Ohio. He studied at Kent State. It was such a small world. They told me they were so surprised that I was speaking with them because every American they normally meet traveling does not. I found that odd, they were very nice, shared their food and we laughed in good fun. Shortly after we ate, Vivian was going up to sing so I said goodbye to the boys and listened again to my favorite song. Every person in the room was in awe of Vivian.
Today I had a great day. It wasn't as action packed as the rest of my week, but it was perfect. I got to hear an extremely talented girl sing one of my favorite songs, live in my hostel. I had a great day with Mitch, the Australian. Which is funny because he's the second Australian I've befriended with that name. He truly made my day and helped make the hunt for the perfect hostel, a fun one. Now I'm on the street I wanted to be on and tomorrow I will tour all of Barcelona.