history:  In the fall, i had a week off and I didn't make any plans because I was pretty broke. My oldest and best childhood friend flew in from where they live in Europe to spend the week with me- they didn't tell me they were coming. It was wonderful! In the fall_comma_ i had a week off and I didn't make any plans because I was pretty broke. My oldest and best childhood friend flew in from where they live in Europe to spend the week with me- they didn't tell me they were coming. It was wonderful! oh wow.. where did you all go? The best part was just seeing each other- it has been five years. We didn't really do much_comma_ all our time was spent chatting. 
current: that was so great of your friend
next: It really was. I don't know how she managed to keep it a secret!