It’s a super hot Baltimore summer day. I’m sitting in the shade reading a book. Even at 6pm, and out from under the direct sun, it’s sweltering. This makes my glass of rose refreshing. The accompanying glass of ice water even moreso. 

Yet, I feel somehow unmoored. The condensation below the glass is pooling on the table. My fingers moisten each time I pick up the glass to take a sip. Drops of water linger on my lips. I don’t have a napkin. The horror! How was my drink served without one? How shall I mop up the small lake of condensation on the table? How shall I blot the residual moisture from my lips, from my fingers? To what shall I cling for security? Why do I feel like a can’t enjoy food or drink unless I have a napkin by my side?

A few weeks ago my 4 year old niece visited. At one point in our adventures, my niece was set on creating a fairy house out of a huge old maple in the backyard. In preparation we went on a collecting exploration finding leaves, flowers, pine cones, twigs, etc. Freja then embarked on setting up house. Once complete, Freja gave me a tour. The kitchen was first up – complete with food (pine cones) and napkins (leaves). Napkins. Of all the things one might provide for fairies in a kitchen it was napkins that were a top priority? We start them young – this American obsession with napkins. We can’t eat without them. There must be a stack at all times. Cloth or paper – it doesn’t matter so long as they are absorbent. No useless thin waxy squares – as often found in European cafes – our napkins have a job to do. 

Of course, in America, there are plenty of meals we eat with our hands. A napkin always present and well used. No so everywhere. While living in India and while traveling in Oman – I ate with my hands with gusto. But why oh why was there a pile of used waxy napkin scraps next to my place setting and not next to my local eating mates? How do they do it? What’s their secret? How do they resiste the urge to rid their fingers of food in the mini moments between each and every bite? I wish I could do it. I wish I could break this napkin obsession…