The phrase "were something" can be expressed in various ways using different synonyms. Instead of using this particular phrase, you can replace it with "stood out," "were notable," "impressed," "captivated," "drew attention," "were remarkable," or "were outstanding." Similarly, you can replace "were something" with other phrases, such as "caught my eye," "were exceptional," "were noteworthy," "were striking," "were memorable," "were unique," or "were extraordinary." Using these synonyms can help you avoid repeating the same phrase over and over again. Moreover, doing so can add some variety to your writing and make it more engaging and interesting to the reader.