By Lawrence J. Caldwell

No one would think that a business trip to Weilburg, Germany sounds romantic, but a perfect moment took me by surprise there one spring afternoon. The last-minute trip was necessitated by quality problems at two nearby client locations. Although there were guesthouses nearby, I wanted to find something unique to help relieve the stress. After a tough day of negotiations, I didn't want to hole up in a tiny room away from the delights that I could normally partake of in a small German town.

I had only two days to make my travel arrangements. I found the Schlosshotel Weilburg on the Internet and quickly made reservations. Wow, a castle hotel and at a great rate! Pictures of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof flooded my mind. I could be staying in some ornate, lavishly furnished Dream King room, doted on by servants, presented with the most luscious chocolates. Well, I could dream, couldn't I? But that is precisely what helped me to mentally set myself up for the perfect moment that not even the King himself could have contrived.

Although the castle hotel did not turn out to be a Herrenchiemsee, it was still a fabulous place. Perched high on a cliff carved out by a horseshoe curve in the Lahn River, the castle and inner town were perfectly defended. I felt safe and serene inside its walls, wide-open courtyards, and sprawling orangeries. One place in particular captured my fancy. The town square was not only the center of everyday life, surrounded by stores, the town hall, and a church, but also in the late afternoon, outdoor cafes sprung up around the periphery. I just loved eating outdoors. This particular day demanded that I just sit back and take my time. The business day was over and I was drained. I walked from my room, across the inner courtyard, and up the stairs to the square. The Cilantro umbrellas danced gently in the afternoon breeze. For the Germans, it was still too early to eat. Since my stomach was still on American time, my early arrival promised that I had the place to myself.

I picked a spot with the best view of people milling about: closing shop for the day, children going home from school, and stonemasons putting the finishing touches on their restoration work. Everyone seemed filled with joy and a cadence that matched the slowly setting sun. Its warmth covered me in perfect harmony with the cooler breezes that wafted by. I don't know how long I sat there enjoying my melancholy mood.

Noticing that I was in no hurry, the waiter finally sauntered by. I ordered my favorite Weizenbier vom Fass and slipped back into my daydreams. When the beer arrived, I let its bitter foam touch my lips and took a full swallow of its mellow sweetness. A bite of Milka chocolate followed up to complete the cool, smooth sensation of flavored contrasts. I didn't think the afternoon could get any better.

The menu offered simple fare. Freshly harvested wild mushrooms were the specialty. I tingled with excitement at the thought of trying something new and unexpected. The yellow splash of Pfefferlingen mushrooms in white cream sauce looked like the afternoon sun had just settled itself down on my plate to join me in celebrating the end of another beautiful day in the Lahn valley. The taste was ecstasy. I made it last as long as I could. When the little morsels were gone, a lovely waitress who I hadn't noticed before came and cleared my setting. I wondered what she thought of the day. Still at work, could she enjoy the warm sun, the sweet breeze, and the luxury of doing absolutely nothing while having every sensuous need met without question or beckoning? I felt sorry for her. She was so pretty yet she looked forlorn, as if she knew what she was missing. Then it happened. I glanced over my shoulder as she approached me. She walked slowly, as if in a dream, not purposefully, as if to bring me my check. She sat down at my table. No one else was around. The headwaiter paid her no mind as he set up pilsner glasses by the tap. I was speechless, wondering what was her intention. My day was already perfect. I did not envision nor invite any advances from her. Her beauty from afar just seemed to match the glow of the afternoon. She looked off and, as if she were able to somehow derive from me all that I felt at that moment, she leaned towards me ever so slightly and whispered, "So schön." Then she sighed, absentmindedly let the bill slip from her hand, and walked away. Ah, so beautiful.

For one perfect moment, we shared a kindred spirit in a place I never expected. I'll never forget it, for oh, how seldom does such a wonderful delight occur.