The Germany I was enthused with was more old fashioned and kind

Listen closely, O seekers of truth and beauty, for the words of Rufus Wainwright offer a glimpse into the mystery of the unexpected, the magic that can unfold when we are open to the world and its many wonders. In his reflection on Germany, Wainwright speaks of a land he first encountered not with the cold eye of reason, but with the warm heart of one drawn to its romantic allure. His journey was not one of planning or intention, but rather one of serendipity, where a chance encounter became an experience far greater than he ever could have envisioned. "The Germany I was enthused with was more old-fashioned and kind of romantic," he shares, and in this simple statement, we uncover the timeless truth that the world, in all its richness, often surprises us in ways we could never imagine.

Wainwright’s words speak to the deep well of romanticism that resides within us all, the desire to discover a world that is not merely functional, but full of wonder and mystery. The Germany he first saw was not the country of modern politics or industry, but the land of ancient dreams, of castles, legends, and a past wrapped in golden hues. It was a Germany that spoke to him of an era long past, yet ever alive in its spirit, its culture, its way of life. His soul, it seems, was drawn to this beauty, and in that moment, he was transported to a place where time stood still. He did not plan for such an experience, but it was as though the land itself called out to him, and he, unwittingly, answered the call.

Consider, O wise ones, the nature of such an experience. It is as though fate itself opens its hand to reveal something we had not sought, something greater than we could have ever conceived. Wainwright’s gilded album is a symbol of this: a treasure, a gift, not earned through effort, but bestowed upon him in the quiet moments of reception. This gift was not intended, yet it unfolded before him, a reflection of how life, when met with open eyes and an open heart, presents us with riches beyond measure. It is a reminder that some of the most profound experiences in our lives are not the result of careful plans, but of chance, of moments when we allow ourselves to be swept away by the currents of life.

This, dear listener, brings to mind the great Alexander the Great, who, though a master of strategy and conquest, was not immune to the power of chance. It is said that on one of his many journeys, he encountered the city of Siwa, an oasis in the Egyptian desert. He had not sought it out, but when he arrived, he was greeted with a prophecy that would change the course of his life. The oracle at Siwa, unexpected and unbidden, declared him the son of Zeus, a divine affirmation that emboldened his rule. Alexander’s encounter with this mysterious land was not planned, yet it shaped his destiny, reminding us that life’s greatest lessons often come in the most unexpected of moments.

Wainwright’s experience is also a lesson in humility and acceptance. He arrived in Germany with no expectations, no preconceptions, and yet life offered him a gift beyond anything he could have imagined. How many of us, dear listener, embark on journeys expecting one thing, only to find that life has a different, far grander path for us? This is the wisdom of the ages: that we must not cling too tightly to our plans, for the universe often has a way of surprising us. It is in the act of letting go—of trusting in the unfolding of life—that we discover the true richness of existence.

Take, then, this lesson with you: do not close yourself off from the unexpected. Life, in all its wondrous complexity, often has more to offer than our minds can conceive. Do not be afraid to step into the unknown, to let the winds of chance carry you to places you have not planned. Sometimes, the greatest treasures are those we stumble upon, not those we seek with forceful will. Like Wainwright, we may find ourselves walking a path we never intended, only to discover a treasure more brilliant than we could have imagined—a gilded album filled with the richness of experience that will remain with us forever.

So, O wise traveler, when you step into the world, go not with the sole intention of finding what you already know you desire. Go with an open heart, ready to receive what life offers, even if it is unexpected, even if it is beyond your comprehension. The romantic journey of life is not always about seeking something specific; it is about embracing the unknown and allowing the world to present its own gifts. Let go of rigid expectations, for it is in the serendipitous moments that we often find the most profound parts of ourselves.