Photo: Past Bedtime

In November 2006 I was visiting Barcelona. One night as I wandered the streets, I came across these two young girls, not more than five or six years old, walking, laughing and playing. This sight was in stark contrast to my experience in the United States and Canada, where many parents would expect their kids to be at home, and in bed, instead of wandering the city. As I made my way around this neighborhood, near central Barcelona, I found other young children playing in the streets. The game of choice -- soccer.

As a tourist in an urban setting, my street sense had been on full alert. After all, I had no idea what was around the corner. But at the moment I saw these girls, I realized how safe, and peaceful, a city can be.