Chapter 1

By the lake

Inspired, the train carried him towards southern Germany at a speed of two hundred and eighty kilometers per hour. He was filled with hope, and the thought of being on a quest for something new never left him.

His thoughts turned to Schloss Elmau! He thought of the elderly woman who had sent him a large, colorful brochure of the castle with an invitation to visit Elmau for a few days."Life consists of interesting encounters. That's the meaning of life," he thought,"and also its colorful diversity."

The train stopped at Garmisch-Partenkirchen station. He got off, looked around and recognized her among the few people on the platform - Ingrid. She was a tall, older woman with gray, tied-up hair and a slim figure.

"Hello Alexander," she said,"I'm so glad you came and that the train wasn't late. How was the journey?"

"Very pleasant. I almost didn't notice how the hours flew by."

They went to a car, which immediately took them out of the city towards Schloss Elmau. He immediately took a liking to the beautiful landscape and the peaceful surroundings. They exchanged a few words and arrived in silence at a pretty two-storey house on the edge of the village of Elmau. He had never seen the castle before and had never thought about it. His aloofness had long since ceased to amaze him. What would this trip bring? He surrendered to the feeling of inner peace, without asking his companion any questions in an effort to preserve his inner world and not waste it by observing the events and people. He sensed people's gratitude, although this was not always expressed in words. This was also a source of new inspiration for him.

The atmosphere in the house was simple. Everything was kept in white and the few pieces of furniture created a pleasant, cozy and at the same time carefree atmosphere. The hostess didn't waste many words and behaved respectfully. He also liked the fact that she didn't suggest any plans for his stay in Elmau. He felt as calm as if he had met an old acquaintance and spent half his life in this quiet place called Elmau.

"Alexander," she turned to him."There