Thoughts and Insights?

Thought I'd share a few little tidbits with you - just miscellanous stuff of absolutely no importance or redeeming value at all!

They have McDonald's all over the place here - they are overtaken in number only by 7-11 stores. Where as there's a McDonald's every third corner, there's a 7-11 on every corner, it seems. And while they do offer a variety of very different sauces on their burgers, you can get a Big Mac that looks and tastes the same as in the states. A little bite of home right here! I've had two since I've been here. The building and the sign for it looks the same, too. There's one notable exception that we don't have anywhere in the states though. Attached to almost every McDonald's here is an open air area with a coffee bar. Kind of like Starbucks in the open. They sell all the coffees, lattes, etc along with hot tea and cold tea. They also have a great dessert selection - trust me, I've made it my job to taste each one! They also offer "gourmet sandwiches" such as Pesto Chicken on Italian bread or Three Cheeses Grilled which comes on a variety of breads complete with tomatoes grilled on it, too. These are called McCafes and they are absolutely great! You'd never , ever know it was associated with McD's!!

They have lots of different soft drinks here. Not just ones we get back home, but also ones from China, Thailand, Indonesia, India - from all over. Same with beers -I have never seen so many different kinds from so many different places. They do not understand though when you ask for a Diet Coke or a Diet Pepsi. They are only referred to as Coke Light and Pepsi Light. That's what the can says even. They are not big on dieting here at all, so marketing-wise it works better.

One of the things they are big on here is caffeine. They have some drinks that have more caffeine in them than you could ever even believe! Makes Mountain Dew and Red Bull look like nothing! Most of the coffees that you get here are very strong, too. Basil says some of the coffee he has had just about gets up and dances around in the cup for you!

They will serve you tea anytime, anywhere. They would prefer you take it hot. Now, I like hot tea, but being a true daughter of the South, I'd rather have it ice cold. A few times I have had to play "The Game". You know the one - they tell you they don't have ice tea. Instead of arguing, I just smile sweetly, tell them yes I would love a pot of tea. Oh, and by the way, could I also have two very large glasses of just ice. They fall for it everytime! The pot comes, I mix sugar in it while it's still steaming, then with several watching me - I just very politely pour the pot of tea into my two glasses of ice. One waiter comes over very quickly and asks what I'm doing. Cooling the tea, I tell him. Oh, he says and walks away. It works and it's less hassle than trying to explain that if you have hot tea and some ice - then you can certainly have ice tea!

Asking for a glass of water can be a bit tricky, too. After the first few times, I learned. If you ask only for a water or a glass of water, many times they will bring you a glass or cup of hot water. I mean really hot water. Evidently, many Chinese people drink their water this way, it supposedly aids digestion. Okay. After ordering water a few times, then taking a big gulp only to discover it is very hot, I've learned my lesson! You must specifically tell them you want water with ice. Again, they look at me like I'm asking for something very strange!

When you encounter someone younger than you here from little kids to people in their late 20's, as a show of respect they will address you as "Auntie" or for Basil, "Uncle". And every male - except the ones from India - will address me as "m'am" or "madame". I'm waiting for it to be "Auntie Madame"! Also, they never use your last name. I am Mrs. Debbie. Even with Singapore Cargo, Basil is addressed as "Captain Charles". Very few nicknames used here.

And, for my final one today - we have a new little restaurant in the main building here at the apartment complex. They have fresh baked cookies and brownies - yes, I had to buy some and make sure they were good! They were! They have ice cream, cold drinks along with hot tea and a few sandwiches. I stopped in there this evening, thought I'd get a little something and eat light since Basil is gone and it's only me. On the menu is a hot dog. That's it, I think - haven't had a hot dog in a good long while, I'll get one to go. He made it, put it in a bag and off I went upstairs. I open it up and here's my hot dog. It's a regular size hot dog. Good start. Regular bun - okay good. Mustard - ok. No cheese. No chili - I don't think they know what chili is here. No onions. But it does have a very nice, big helping of lettuce and two slices of tomato on it! Don't believe I've ever had a hot dog with lettuce and tomato!

It's a whole new world out there! Who knew? More tomorrow!

Shari - thanks for the heads up about the insurance.
Abby- can't wait to see you ice skate!
Patsy - thanks so much for the insurance help.
Helene- so good to talk to you!
Lynn - read any good books lately?
Joyce - Happy Birthday!
Pam - Happy Birthday!
Sam - did it come yet?
Heather - still the future, still there!