The Kinder Grail

For months I searched in vain for these tiny ovals of chocolate covered treasures, only wanting to feel a threadlike connection to my passionate blogging friends worldwide who lust for and cherish the much coveted Holy Grail of Kinder.

I looked high and low, in large superstores and in lowly kiosks, on low tables of pocketsized items displayed on the sidewalks and on dusty sheets spread on the ground. But the Kinder-Surprise Egg was no where to be found.

I remained quiet, keeping my disappointment to myself, not letting anyone know of my secret desire. Just one was all I wanted. Just to hold it in my hand and to fondle the smooth, foil covered gem. I dreamt of one day being able to blog about my own wee egg.

But I just couldn't find one. I found Kinder Bueno and Kinder Chocolate but the Kinder-Surprise remained out of my reach. Until yesterday.

I ran into my newly discovered little supermarket near the gym and was just going to buy a package of spaghetti and some sauce when what did I spy as I waited in the checkout line?? Yes, the lilliputian lulu that I lusted after was finally within my reach. I didn't even think twice before jumping out of line and losing my place and I didn't care if others saw my trembling hands. My problem was I had no shopping basket- everything I needed was gathered up in my arms, now overflowing with items I no longer cared about. I grabbed two, one in each fist and went back to the end of the queue. I was thrilled.

I ran home with my treasures safe in my bag, all the while wondering how long I could resist cracking them open to find which toy I had been blessed with. I spilled the bag onto my kitchen table and took the eggs to my desk, placing them in two tiny candle holders- my makeshift eggcups. I sat and I read blogs, I got up and made tea, I went and watched tv, but these captivating creatures kept calling my name. They wanted to be opened and I would do my part.

How do you open your Kinder-Egg? I carefully unwrap it, trying not to tear the foil. Then I gently push my thumb into the top, cracking it ever so slightly. Do you eat it as you go along, or do you wait until it is in pieces before slipping a tiny morsel into your mouth? I eat it as I crack it open. When the chocolate covering is gone, I pry open the golden yellow plastic shell which lovingly protects the highly prized toy.

And there it is... my very own- what is it? For as you know, what it is is never obvious. No, you must work just a bit more for this bewitching bauble of joy. I unfold the directions and my nimble fingers scramble to construct my new little jewel. When I am done I sit it on my desk and stare in wonder. It is truly awesome. I am delighted with my possession and for the rest of the afternoon my eyes keep drifting back to it. I promise to cherish and protect it forever, and it just sits there, promising me nothing except to make me crave more.