Dining in the Dark
①Recently I accompanied a friend to dine at a “dark restaurant”， where people eat in complete darkness, served by blind staff.We wanted to understand the experience of being blind, and we thought eating would be the most difficult activity.
It was a difficult meal.②Because we couldn't see where anything was, my friend and I knocked over glasses and dropped food.My senses of taste and smell became more sensitive, and I ate much more slowly, trying to guess what I was eating.③Pouring water was very difficult, plus I kept drinking from my friend's glass.
After failing to pick up any food with a fork for five minutes, I decided to use my hands.I reached down, ④expecting rice and vegetables, but instead stuck my hand into a bowl of warm, thick soup.“⑤It's best to use a spoon for this course，” the waiter said into my ear, helpfully but much too late.Even using a spoon, most of the soup ended up on my shirt.I felt embarrassed, even though no one could see me.
Our waiter advised us to lift the plates and bowls close to our faces.⑥However, I still left the restaurant feeling hungry, though I was much more aware of the challenges that blind people face.
