Encounters

 Seaside Smile

    I was living the life, of au pairing for a wonderful Italian family in Germany. For vacation, we decided to head down south and go to Italy. The family had a lavish and outstanding condo that faced the Mediterranean Sea. One night my host parents went out for a date and their parents took their kids for some grandma, and grandpa time. I was left to my own devices, so for that night I decided to take a sunset walk on the beach. I took in the air and was caught up in my own thoughts, once I neared the end of the beach I decided to sit on top of a rock and allow the salt air to cascade around me. As I looked around, I saw two guys. More like heard them, they were living. They were belting out some song, while they carried a speaker and a bottle of some type of liquor. I just smiled. This was Italy, drink, dance, and sing. It was carefree and fun. For some reason, these two seemed to capture my attention. Maybe because I missed my friends back home. As I was about to look away, I caught myself staring at them. One stared to head my way. I was getting anxious thinking. I don't speak Italian. I thought maybe I could just walk away, but before I could leave. the two guys smiled and stood before me. The one who spoke first caught my attention. He had a warm smile, chocolatey hair, and eyes that seemed to only hold honesty. I hadn't realized he was asking a question. He spoke again, and my eyes lingered on his lips. They were delightfully plump. Finally, I pulled my gaze away from his mouth and shook my head. "I'm sorry I don't speak..." Wait was that German he was speaking? I was confused. The brown-haired boy smiled and nudged his friend. "American." He stated. I nodded. He quickly changed his language and spoke English. 

    Dyl and his friend Bas were both from Germany they were vacationing in this town. They were looking for nightlife, a party, a bar, something to make their last night memorable. It was also my last night, we were heading back to Munich in the morning. I told them that this town was sleepy since it was off-season, but the next town over had a boardwalk and more of a youthful presence. 

    I learned that Dyl's friend didn't speak any English. Luckily, Dyl was a great translator. We all soon realized our stomachs were growling from hunger, and we quickly made a plan to quickly grab some food. I told them about the pizzeria and they nodded in agreement. 

    I have no idea why I trusted them, or why I allowed myself to lead them to the pizzeria? Maybe because at this point I already had dealt with demons and cruelty. But I had a feeling these guys were nothing like the man I had trusted a couple months ago back in Munich. Call me stupid, for trusting men so easily, but I give my trust easily. Mess that up, and I will end the relationship quicker than it started. 

    We sat at the pizzeria, beers in hand, enjoying one another's company. We explained who we were, and what we were doing. Dyl and Bas were both working in Germany and Bas was originally from Spain. I decided to dust off my old rusty Spanish. I tried to introduce myself, but the guys both threw their heads back in laughter. Somehow I managed to tell them I love you. I blushed in embarrassment and Dyl just smiled " I don't mind being the translator." Thank goodness I thought, otherwise who knows what I would say next with my rusty Spanish skills. The pizzeria was closing up for the night, but both guys seemed alive with energy, and I didn't feel like ending the night just yet. "Wanna explore?" It was dark, and the only light we had was from the stars, but I pulled them up from their seats and we headed back to the beach. Bas turned on the speaker, and we allowed the music to speak, and take control. We danced and laughed. Soon Bas turned the music down, and we wandered around. Dyl asked, "Want to come to our place? We have drinks and ..." before he could finish the sentence, he realized my demeanor changed. My body seemed rigid, and the air seemed colder. "Alyssa?" Dyl's voice pulled me back to reality before I could have a full-on episode of reliving that night. I could feel the burn of tears in my eyes, my breath was caught in my throat. 

    We sat and I told him everything, the horrors of Munich. Dyl listened and was kind. Bas I could tell was confused, but he seemed to sense the tone. Dyl quickly translated, and the look that Bas gave me wasn't of sadness or sympathy. Instead, he looked at me as if I were a soldier who won a battle. They both thanked me for sharing my story. 

    To this day I don't why I told those two guys my story, but they were the first. They were the ones to help me find a voice, and make me not feel like a victim. 

    That night we spoke of secrets, hidden truths, and allowed us to just be present. We walked on the beach, till finally I realized it was late. I decided it was best for me to say goodbye and head back to my host family. They both hugged me, and they turned to leave. But Bas protested to Dyl, and Dyl ran back to me. "We are headed to Monoco tomorrow, we would love it if you came." Before I could answer, Dyl handed me his phone. I typed in my number without a word. He gave me one last hug, and said "Text me your answer." 

English Charm

He was the definition of cute. I didn't realize that he was making a pass at me. Probably because I was having a girl's night that soon turned into a night with a man I had read completely wrong. 

    I decided that I needed a night out, but as a solo traveler that can become intimidating. I decided to see what the Facebook groups were posting, and I soon found a post that seemed like we all had the same goal in mind. A night out. That's what I needed, I got dressed, put on my signature lip, and headed out for a night to remember. 

    I arrived at the bar first, and I stood there feeling anxious. Then I wondered what would happen if no one showed. I guess I would just end up heading back to a night of Netflix and tea by myself. I clutched my phone as if it were a security blanket. A text, Be there in 5. Thank goodness I thought. The five minutes felt like an eternity, but soon I was greeted by a warm voice. Hello's were exchanged and we waited for a couple more minutes for others to join us, then we headed into the club. 

    I didn't know what to expect but most certainly not that ratio. It was probably the first time where I saw more men than women. That night I had one goal in mind. Have fun. We managed to find a space within the bar, the bar was hosting two for one's. A girl's favorite especially when on budget. That night the pick of the poison was whiskey sours. I glanced around the room, looking at my surroundings, but then I saw him. I couldn't pull my eyes away, he was gorgeous, too gorgeous to be left standing alone in the corner. His presence was one that I felt drawn to. I couldn't. tonight was girls' night, but our group was getting bigger and I was getting closer and closer to the man in the corner. I had already created a story in my head for the man. He was waiting for his girlfriend, date, or friends. I made sure to keep him in my eyesight. 

    The music started to get louder, and the lights dimmer. The girls kept coming, how many people were invited to this event? I wondered. I glanced back at the man, he intrigued me. I realized I couldn't stay quiet, I turned and faced him. He sensed my presence and turned to me. His gaze was enchanting, without thinking my words came out "Did you get stood up?" His eyebrows arched in question. Oh shit, I thought, he didn't speak English. I need to retreat, or just walk away. But before I could leave he smiled and that would ignite the night. 

    His name was Dion, an Italian/German man who was new to the neighborhood and wanted a night out. A banker or something to do with finance. He came alone, because why not. I was completely entranced, his accent was different from the English I had now grown accustomed to. He was different, he seemed sweet, innocent in a way. The whiskey sours that I had consumed soon took their much-needed effect, I had liquid courage. I would become his. Or at least I would play into his ego and charm. 

    The band was playing, and the music was intoxicating. I needed to dance, I needed to feel the beat and dance. I soon left Dion without a second thought and danced. I didn't care that I left the group of gals, or Dion. I just knew I needed to let loose and dance. I soon felt someone stare, I twirled and there stood Dion, smiling. A beer in hand, he was watching me completely entranced. I will be the first to admit I am a TERRIBLE dancer, but for some reason, people like to watch me. Maybe it's the false confidence I have, or maybe the way I am completely oblivious to everyone around me. I dance for me. Soon Dion approached, the heat from the bar, had his white shirt clinging to his soaked body, and his tattoos seemed to shine and ripple under his moves. I was entranced by him. He realized the spell he was casting, and I didn't mind. Especially since he was so beautiful to look at. 

    We danced, but once I would go to the bar, or to speak to the girls he was also there. I was used to dancing in clubs back home, where you could dance with a man, then another. No one would stake a claim, at least not this early in the evening. I realized he was like a fly to honey. I quickly managed to get away, and I decided to go for a smoke break with a girl from the group. As we went outside, the fresh air seemed to clear my senses. She looked at me and smiled "Seems you got yourself a man?" I smiled but then asked, "Are all Europeans so dominant and clingy?" She laughed and I realized that this was new territory for me. "Yeah, once a man has his sights on you, good luck trying to leave." 

    I needed a plan and fast, if Dion was going to be like this all night, how would I manage to meet new people. I quickly asked our lady leader if we could move to a new location. She knew that I needed to leave him behind, and she smiled "No problem." I left beautiful Dion behind, and we went out into the night looking for our new stomping grounds, which happened to be a block down the street. 

    Dion messaged me, I had given him my number, because I wanted to see him again but not this soon. He asked where I had gone. I told him we left to see another band. I decided to chit-chat with the girls, they were all so sweet and kind. Some girls quickly grabbed drinks, but I still had the urge to dance. I quickly managed to push myself to the front with our group. Soon men were surrounding our group, and some girls were entranced by their charm. I became oblivious. I allowed the music to completely take over, I danced and was consumed by the energy of the night, but was interrupted. 

    I couldn't hear what he said but the English accent was vibrant and his smile made me turn my attention on him. He was with another guy. I looked at him confused, and he realized I hadn't heard what he said. So he came close to my ear and shouted "Do you know this song?" I was about to respond when I saw him. I recognized those tattoos. I quickly grabbed the stranger who had asked me the song's name and pulled him closer. He was confused at first, but soon accepted my touch and pull. "Dance with me," I stated in a desperate voice. He saw my eyes dart towards Dion. He knew before I could even tell him the story. 

    He pulled me in close and my hands gripped his waist. I saw that Dion had found me. No, I thought! I wanted to dance, I didn't need this guy. This man who had managed to follow me to another club. I clung to my new companion. I think he could sense my tension, he looked down at me, and what I saw in his eyes made me feel safe. "Hey, you are dancing with my girl!" O PLEASE NO! I thought! Dion was standing behind me, and luckily the man I was dancing with smiled at him, and stated "She's not your girl anymore." Before I could even think he pulled me in for a kiss. He was so tender, and the warmth of his breath made me forget about everything. I held onto him like he was my last breath. The kiss ended, and when I looked up at this man who finally managed to keep Dion at bay, and actually managed to have Dion leave without another word. I realized that the man was gorgeous in his own way. Dion oozed bad boy, tattoos, and chaos. This man was proper and elegant. He wore a button white shirt and when I finally looked at him completely I realized he was entirely different. "My name is Harry." He stated. 

    

    Harry was literally the Jude Law, the Hugh Grant, I had been waiting for. He was the epitome of English charm, saving me from the salivating hungry wolf. 

Turkish Delight

    When I was in Edinburgh I went for a walk. I didn't at the time realize I would be hiking up a trail to Arthur's Seat.  I watched as others walked up the mountain, and watched while others walked down with their heads held high in triumph. All I wanted was fresh air. I took another step up but was soon interrupted by a man holding his phone up to me. "Photo?" I smiled and he positioned himself for the photo smiling. I handed back the phone and was about to head off, but the man pointed to the mountain. I realized he was wondering if I was walking up there. I nodded yes. He then took his phone and typed. He handed it to me, and there was a translation. 

We walk together since we are walking in the same direction.

I nodded my head and smiled. I thought to myself it would be nice to have a companion walking up the hill. We walked in silence, both happy with just having companionship. 

    We reached the top, and the views were breathtaking. I was on top of the world. Everything around me felt so small. I looked at my new companion whose name was Abe. He smiled and pointed to my phone. He was great, he knew I wanted photos of this moment, and he obliged by becoming my own personal photographer. With him I allowed myself to ease up, and smile. The wind made me feel weightless. I felt like I could fly, that everything was possible. 

    We headed back down the mountain, the cool air of Scotland was finally hitting my bones, and my fingers were becoming numb. I think Abe could tell, I needed a place of warmth. He quickly got his translator out, " Shall we go for some tea?" 

    I nodded my head with a yes. I definitely could go for a tea. We ended up walking, and we managed to pass by The Palace of Holyroodhouse. It's not often you can say I had tea at the palace. Abe seemed to know what I wanted without me even asking. We wandered into the gardens, and Abe quickly ordered two teas and cake. How European of us. The tea arrived and I clasped the cup, allowing the heat to seep through me. I took a sip, and my body thanked me for the welcoming warmth of the earl gray. I looked at the palace with awe. The architecture was astonishing. Abe could tell I was curious. Once we finished our tea, I was ready to head back to my hostel. But, Abe walked in the direction of the information/ticket booth. He nodded to me to come, and I simply stated "It cost money." He smiled and waved his hand away as if saying "Don't worry about it." Before I knew it I was handed headphones, a book about the palace, and an admission ticket. He had managed to buy us both our tickets, and I thanked him. 

    If you are in Edinburgh I highly recommend this palace, the tour is definitely worth it. 

    Each time I thought my adventure with Abe would end, he seemed to manage to find another way to make this day more eventful. We wandered all over Edinburgh. We walked through parks and cemeteries, and we even looked at cute little shops. Abe never complained when I pointed to a shop. He would simply smile and nod his head yes. 

    That weekend in Scotland I had gained a wonderful companion. We didn't share the same language but we did share the same taste, and that was one for adventure. Abe was a delight, we spent the next day going to see all the filming locations of Outlander. It was nice having someone. I have traveled alone, but sometimes it's nice to share a simple cup of tea, even if it's in silence. We shared energy, one that was of friendship and one of acceptance. 

Puerto Rico (San Juan)

    My mom and I decided to go to Puerto Rico for vacation. We were in Old San Juan at the time, and I was the one who got to pick where to eat for breakfast. Talk about pressure, I didn't know what I was exactly hungry for. I knew we needed somewhere to eat, I walked and quickly glanced up checking my surroundings. We stood on the corner, and we looked like major tourists lost and indecisive. Before I could manage to finally declare where we were going to go, a man approached us. "You look lost, may I be of any help?" 

    He was a tall, and lean man, his hair was that of silver snow. His smile was warm and kind. I explained to him our situation and he smiled realizing our dilemma. "Well, I am on my way to meet my wife for breakfast. I highly recommend it for a place to have breakfast." I looked at Mom, and she allowed me to make the choice. Do we follow and take this stranger's recommendation, or do we politely decline and wander off. I decided to stick with the stranger. I needed coffee, and pronto! He guided us to the location, it was a cute cafe. He wandered in easily, but we managed to get stuck in a line. Well at least we found a place, but dang a line. Today patience is not one of my strong suites. The gentleman who told us of the spot soon came back. He explained, "Do you mind sitting at the bar?" I didn't care where we sat. 

    Later that morning, I learned that he wasn't just a man. The man who had helped us was the architect of San Juan. He was very informative, and filled with knowledge. He told us about his wife as well. He was the architect and she was the landscaper. What a fantastic duo I thought. He had explained his youth and his dreams to me. I had told him how I was in my twenties and completely lost. He smiled and said, "We all are." All I could think of was at least he was lost in his passion with his best friend.

Puerto Rico (Boston Gal)

Mom and I were headed to the beach to catch some sun rays and listen to the waves crash. As we walked through the neighborhood to get to the beach. The streets were filled with stray cats, but this time I heard a familiar noise that of a kitten. I followed the noise and soon was standing among a family of kittens. I swooned at their cuteness. I hadn't been the only one, a woman approached the kittens just like I had. Lost in their cuteness. I heard her speak and realized she was American. 

    She was a gal from Boston, who decided to take a solo trip for a refresh from work. She was in her thirties and was a reiki healer. She was incredible to talk to. My mom also spoke to her and we all seemed to get along. She was also headed to the beach. We walked together and that afternoon we ended up enjoying her company and sunshine. Soon the conversation came to a natural finish. We managed to exchange numbers. 

    That evening I decided we would go to La Casita Blanca. ( If you ever go to Puerto Rico, I highly recommend this place for dinner. It's like grandma's kitchen!) For some reason my mind wandered to Boston Gal, if she was here alone, she too would need dinner. I grabbed my mom's phone and asked my mom if we could invite her. My mom being the kind and friendly woman she is agreed that we should invite her. 

    We received a text back and she said she would meet us in front of our air b&b. We headed out and there she stood, she had gotten all dolled up, a red lipstick that screamed courageous and bold. For some reason, I knew I even liked her more. It takes a certain woman to wear such a bold color. We headed to the restaurant and that evening turned out to be a night of smiles, warmth, and laughter. 

Encounters

    These were just some encounters I have faced in my life. I could have simply walked away thinking the worst in humanity. Instead, I stayed and made memories. Some of the best moments I have had are the ones that go unplanned. The ones where I am completely lost, or in my own thoughts. I look back at these moments and I am so thankful. I have met so many spectacular and amazing people. So smile, be friendly, and make magical moments.