154. McDonalds

How many people in the world do not recognize the golden arches of McDonalds?  I would say that due to it being in so many countries as well as in movies and TV shows that there are few that do not recognize the brand.  But McDonalds can mean different things depending on where you are.

I really enjoy McDonalds.  I enjoy the fries, how things look pretty similar no matter where you are, how the ordering system is similar everywhere you go as well as the memories it brings back of being a small boy and getting a happy meal.

I have been to a McDonalds in the US, Canada, China, Moldova, Romania, Serbia… I cannot remember if I visited one in the Dominican Republic or Israel.  I never really mean to visit them while traveling abroad, but sometimes you just want something fast and that you are accustomed too.

What does it mean to eat at McDonalds in the USA?  I think, it means a quick meal and a pretty inexpensive place.  It is not a place you would take someone on a first date.  You would not take someone there for their birthday (unless they were young).  It is fast food… the food is not the best or the healthiest but it gets the job done.  You will see people of all ages and salaries in McDonalds, but I am guessing people with a high profile do not really choose to go into McDonalds unless they want a fast meal.

What does it mean to eat at McDonalds in Moldova?  Well, first off, there are very few fast food places, so if you want something fast to eat or a drive-through you pretty much have to go to McDonalds in Moldova.  Secondly, this is a medium priced restaurant in Moldova.  The prices are similar to US prices, but there are cheaper restaurants in Moldova where you can eat for 3 to 5 USD where McDonalds is usually 5 to 8 USD which may not seem like a lot of difference but when you realize that a retired person could be trying to live off their retirement of 50 USD per month 1 USD makes a lot of difference.  So not everyone can afford to eat at McDonalds (or restaurants in general) in Moldova, it is considered a special meal for many Moldovans and you can see middle and upper class people eating at McDonalds who are not looked down upon.

I find the differences between McDonalds in Moldova and the USA.  It is interesting to see a staple of the USA in other countries and it potentially being viewed in a different way.