the restaurant ...the terrace is the pink area under the flag
After dinner, I order a second glass of wine and ask for my
bill. The kellner brings it. He stands – quietly - at the side of the table holding in his hand his traditional dark brown, slightly bulging, leather kellner’s purse.
It looks surprisingly similar to my wallet. I pay the bill, he gives me change,
places the money in his purse and leaves. I place my wallet on the table
directly under my Blackberry which is also in a dark case. I continue to sit
for a while enjoying my glass of wine and my view of the river.
Soon a small tow-headed, blonde boy – perhaps 5 years of age –
approaches my table. He stands directly behind the chair which is directly
across from me. He looks at me and smiles a bit, but does not say a word. I smile
back and try to engage him in ‘rudimentary’ conversation. (Rudimentary, because
I have not a clue what one says to a 5 year old … in either German or English!!) He moves from behind the chair to the side of
the table and reaches for my Blackberry. I say, “No, no honey, you cannot have
that, it is mine.” He looks at me quizzically… (or is it an expression of
annoyance[??]), … still not saying a word. In my mind, I am convinced he has overheard his parents
discussing the rude American who was talking on the phone. I am sure of it!! I
am sure someone has said my mobile (as well as all others in restaurants!!) should be confiscated! Our little tug of war
over that thing in the black case continues for a minutte or two - wordlessly on his part, a bit vociferously
on mine.
Finally a blonde woman approaches. She bends down and speaks
to the boy. Then she turns to me, apologizes and explains that Oskar likes to pretend
he is a kellner (waiter). I smile, had I known that I would have given him a tip as payment for his attentiveness AND cute smile!!´
The other restaurant in Kallmünz
