culture shock

I freaked out the first time I went into a McD's in Japan. I was really, really homesick, and the only thing I could think of to ward it off was a trip to McD's. It didn't help.

The staff were courteous and bright-eyed. They smiled a lot. This was either prior to the chain offering Value Meals in Japan, or (more likely), I didn't notice them on the menu. I ordered à la carte, and my fries, drink, and burger came to about $8 at the then-current exchange rate (back when I was still constantly converting in my head). It felt like a Twilight Zone episode -- everything just slightly off from its normal aspect.

Then I tried to get ketchup for my fries. Not possible. "--but there's ketchup on my hamburger-- just put some on a cup lid or a napkin --" Nope. No dice.

My homesickness was unabated, and the grease didn't help, either.
(crossposted from Japan Tribe.)