I was on my way from Rome to Barcelona by train. On the border between Italy and France, the train workers went on strike and stranded about 12 travelers including myself at 2AM. We got off the train, and as we waited for taxis to take us across the border these 12 strangers (many of whom didn't speak common languages) pulled out whatever they had in their backpacks (candies, food, drink, trinkets) and everyone shared what they could with everyone else.

It was an amazing cross cultural experience - and very human. We were all vulnerable in this moment of awkwardness, but these strangers opened up their bags and their lives to share with each other.

We eventually made it to Barcelona. After going through this experince together, we were no longer strangers - but not quite friends. Eventually everyone went their own way. We exchanged smiles and departing glances, knowing we would never see each other again.