Sleeping with Strangers: An Experience in Hostelling

My seven nights in Barcelona were spent staying in a hostel right off the main street. Hostels are kind of like a cross between a hotel and a college dorm and target the younger, backpacking crowd. My room had 4 metal bunk beds, free lockers, a balcony (overlooking the top of another building) and a bathroom. The hostel also offered free Internet access as well as breakfast (a croissant and OJ). Not bad for US$14/night.
I was kind of nervous since I was travelling alone. Although hostels are a good place to meet people, you never know who (or what) you might meet! Sleeping in a room with seven strangers can be a scary experience. When I first arrived, only three of the other beds were occupied: by an Italian guy and two Belgian girls. Luckily for me they all spoke English and seemed pretty nice. We were joined later that night (about 1:00 in the morning actually) by 4 Brazilians.
Of these first seven roommates, it's the Brazilians that I got to know the best. Guilherme (Gui-yem-ee), Luiz and Roberta were all studying in Portugal and Theresa (Luiz's mother) had come over to visit for a week. They had rented a car in Portugal, finding it cheaper than plane/train tickets, and I spent Friday driving around the town with them. I learned that Luiz's sister, Joanna, had placed fifth in the Athens Olympics last year for the 400 IM swim race. How cool is that?
The Brazilians were replaced by a group of American girls studying in southern France. I discovered their presence by arriving back at the hostel only to find the room and all of the beds covered by bags, clothes, shoes, etc. Trying to walk through the room was hazardous to one's health! The girls were nice but fit the stereotype of the American college student: they were on the ditzy side and more concerned with partying (drinking a bottle of wine each before heading out to the bars/clubs) than seeing the town. I wasn't exactly sad to see them go.
The last group I shared a room with was also American, this time studying in the Netherlands (they live in a castle there!!). Although they were the same age as the other group, they were much more mature and we spent two good days together, even exchanging e-mails at the end.
Although I spent most of my time with other Americans, I did meet people from all over the world at the hostel. It was truly a unique experience and I learned that sleeping with strangers isn't so scary after all. :o)