In Berlin, they're working right in front of city hall, and most of the ground is excavated. They put full panels around the work site to cover the mess, as you do.

While strolling around, I noticed that two panels have windows am that there are remains of an old building in the ground. A policeman was just sitting there, looking through the windows.

Making my way through the crowd of people hurrying by, I approached the policeman and asked him what the remains were.

I asked in German, so he answered in German. He told me it was the old city hall and went on about it for a bit. I was doing my best to understand -- and then it happened.

People, seeing the policeman so feverishly gesticulating and pointing around and speaking real nice, started coming closer, listening to him. No longer were they just passing the site by.

I left with a smile on my face after some guy asked a question and the policeman, now turned guide, began his long answering monologue.

Sometimes, all you need is a small spark, a small nudge in the right direction, and things will just fall right into place.

Say 'Hi' to a nice stranger tomorrow.