Why is it that Europeans don’t really believe in soft or absorbent paper goods? The napkins at every gelato stand in Italy almost seem like they’re coated in wax so as to ensure they only smush the stains around. And even in very nice restaurants and hotels, the paper towels are more like swatches from cheap plastic picnic-table cloths. The dry cat-tongue-like toilet paper is one or two grades down from the sort of stuff safecrackers rub on their fingertips to improve sensitivity. I’ve noticed the same thing in France and other European countries, including Germany. But for some reason, in Germany it seems to make sense.