Would you like a beer with your fries?

Did you know that in France you can have a beer for lunch at McDonald’s, but not a milkshake? And if you order coffee, they serve it with a piece of quality gourmet chocolate? (Unfortunately it wasn’t fair trade chocolate like at Marks & Sparks with those progressive English)‘Tis true. Clearly Ronald is a big advocate of when in Rome… Also wi-fi (wee-fee) is free and it’s about the only place you can find it. Yes, well God Bless America, well bless it in France anyway.

Shutters and planter boxes

Did you know that in France, even if you are at a fast food restaurant like McDonald’s, the service is not really fast? Perhaps it’s because typically the French have that two hour luncheon dining period, so there is no real rush, but I think, what I have observed, generally speaking of course, is that American fast food staff members actually move faster and cooperate better together. You see, I wasn’t in a particular rush at our McDonald’s stop because the only reason I was there was to take advantage of the play structure for the kids. In my utter dismay at being inside a McDonald’s in France, I decided to amuse myself by comparing how the luncheon rush was handled. Okay, I didn’t decide, I couldn’t help but notice since I’m used to things a certain way at every Mickey D’s. Observation: There was absolutely NO hustle to get people in & out. There wasn’t the same definition in the crew’s movements. They didn’t seem to know exactly what was going on. For a good reason too, I might add. They don’t have the “pick up” system. You know how you order and then move over to the “pick up” counter to wait for your food so that the next person can order? Doesn’t happen in France. You just wait there, the line heaving behind you and wait for the crew to get your food. You know how we have lines and it’s pretty obvious who is next? Doesn’t happen in France. Save the lack of outright pushing and shoving, it could have been India with the amount of chaos. Please don’t get me wrong, as I’m not currently bagging on the French, just noticing bizarre little efficiency differences. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps it’s because they’re trying to work a system that doesn’t really fit in with their culture. I mean if you get a two hour lunch break everyday, why would you need a McDonald’s in France? Oh right. For the play structures.

Wind up music box

Speaking of systems that clash with culture, in France women get Wednesdays off for three years after they have a child. Can you imagine a system like that in the USA? Maternity Leave, what’s that? In England, they get money from the government per child for the first three years of the child’s life. The government actually gives you money so that you can buy your children’s clothing and food each month. How’s that for food for thought?

Auxerre old town

Okay so now I AM bagging on the French, because it is now five minutes to nine and we are nowhere near eating dinner. I’m starving!!! What is wrong with these people? Don’t they know that it isn’t good to be eating this late? HELLO, let’s eat a big block of cheese and then hit the hay! Dude, I need a serious trail mix stash.

Cheers & Ciao for now—Gina