history: I used to work as a hotel rep in Spain for a British travel company. One morning, I was greeting guests when, out of the corner of my eye I saw someone I recognized. I almost fell over - it was my cousin who had come over from Scotland without telling me. How lovely! When I worked as a hotel rep. in Spain a few years ago I was greeting guests one morning. Suddenly I saw someone I knew - it was my cousin who decided to come and visit me. It was so unexpected!
current: Oh that must have been so exciting and surprising! 
next: It really was. I had no idea he was coming to visit. I couldn't believe my eyes!