I think it’s fair to say that as American travelers we try to avoid defaulting and going to McDonalds over the local cuisine. But sometimes it’s the only place open or you’re just trying to save money.
Whenever the case, you succumb to temptation and get yourself a burger and fries. This happened to me in Tel Aviv. I was up late and wanted something to eat. Specifically a burger, so I went to Google maps and located a place within walking distance. The name of the place was in Hebrew so I figured it was a local burger joint. After walking for twenty minutes I arrive at a McDonald’s.
No way Google directed me to a Micky D’s. So I start circling around, looking for the real burger place. Realized everything was closed and eventually I figured out that Google led me straight to McDonalds, but translated it in Hebrew when I was navigating. Damn you Google! Had I known, I would have just searched for some falafel.
Anyways I entered into this McDonald’s where all the workers were Arabic and having a good time behind the registers, much like in the US. They weren’t really paying attention to me or anyone else for that matter. But when I finally got their attention I ordered one of their special burgers with the accompanying large size meal…
When I got my food, I was shocked at the proportions. They were enormous, the cup, the fries, much bigger than in the US. I’m not complaining, more is better…. right? Maybe not. The container for the fries was huge but less than half filled. They didn’t care to give me my money’s worth. Speaking of money, I ended up spending close to 17USD at that McDonalds. It was then… that I decided I would never eat McDonalds again!
The food was incredibly bland, not that I expected more but for $17 … c’mon! And to top it off, while I was trying to enjoy my meal and watch Sailor Moon on their subpar wifi, i was approached by two Israelis on their bikes. They demanded that I take off my headphones. I complied and they asked me something in Hebrew which I replied I don’t understand. Then they asked in English if i was gay. “Oh lord. Is this a hate crime waiting to happen?”
I replied, “Why does it matter?”
But he persisted and I finally replied bisexual, copout. I know, but I thought it was a happy medium. (I felt terrible afterwards). The guy then proceeded to ask if I had a boyfriend, while his other friend cornered me in with his bike. I forgot what I said but I do remember be saying he saw me on Instagram and that I do have a boyfriend… that’s when I played the American card. I got loud and started being oblivious. “What? HUH?! I don’t understand. I am a tourist. What???”
The guys eventually got it and told me to enjoy my meal as they rode off on their bikes. It just wasn’t my night.
So far I held up to that commitment. But it has only been 6 weeks. No more McDonald’s abroad!
Gio's Adventures 