On our second day in Barcelona, Spain, my classmates and I headed out to see the sights. We hadn't had a chance to stop by any banks to take out cash, but we had our bank cards, which, to our American way of thinking, would naturally be accepted anywhere. Our teacher led us to La Sagrada Familia, a church which has been under construction for over 100 years.

She let each of us decide whether we wanted to pay for entrance to the church or return to the hotel after a long day. Many headed for the subway and returned to the hotel. Eager to explore more, two of my friends and I wandered about the plaza (露天广场), but soon the other two decided they wanted to return to the hotel also. I was confident in my abilities and had a subway ticket, so I felt comfortable without them; I got in line to enter the church.

When I reached the window, they asked for the 10-euro admission price. I confidently handed over my bank card, which they denied, asking for cash only. I was shocked. I only had three euros on hand, and my entire group had left. I was leaving the next day to fly to Madrid, and I wasn't going to get this opportunity again.

Just then, I overheard English being spoken around me. It took about ten minutes to collect my courage to approach the speakers and explained my dilemma: American student, no cash, priceless landmark, no other opportunity to see it. Fortunately, one smiling woman handed me a 20-euro bill. "Go buy me a bottle of wine, and you can keep the change," she offered. I did so without delay, grateful that I wouldn't miss this fantastic opportunity.

Perhaps seven euros didn't mean a lot to her, but it meant a lot to me, and she offered it in such a friendly way that I didn't feel like a beggar. That simple act of kindness remains in my memory as one of the nicest things a stranger has ever done for me.