h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

What do you know about McDonalds?

McDonalds name I don’t have to introduce. Known all over the world as a leading “fast food” restaurant.

When you are on the road traveling long distances of Planet Earth McDonalds is always there for a quick meal to fuel your tired body. Mostly associated with Hamburgers and French fries in addition to that a drink of Coca-Cola is also a must to quench your thirst.

Prices are so reasonable that even a shoestring traveler can afford it.
And after your hunger and thirst was “taken care” you quickly leave the restaurant to continue your traveling.
The average tourist does not give a second thought about McDonalds.

But beside tourists there are large numbers of people who are not coming just for a quick meal.

This is how I got to know much more about McDonalds.

Yes, I was also a quick leaving traveler some time ago, up until later I came to the idea to have frequent breakfasts at McDonalds located near my home.
Mostly I liked “hot cakes” with or without “sausage” and a meal of 3 pancakes got me going well over lunchtime. OK, I am rather a small frame individual and just can’t eat so much like those 200 lb men.

What was so attractive at these breakfasts? You found yourself in a friendly atmosphere, very clean surrounding and the more mature clientele seat there talking long time after finishing their meal. Nobody rushed them to leave. This gave me the impression that this is more like a café in Europe to which I was used to when I lived there.

As time went on I just did not go down for breakfast, but rather for lunch. Those meals were also very pleasant for me, because there are great deal of variety in food to choose from. In fact I don’t eat red meat since many years, so I don’t eat hamburgers. But there are very tasty chicken or fish sandwiches which I favor, and hot soup and yogurt parfait, and coffee and deserts if you want to add more calories.

You can obtain a long list of menu showing the nutrition contents and the calories in each serving. If you worried about the amount of calories you eat: there are the numbers on the menu to figure out the calories before you order your meal.

There are no hidden preservatives what you would not know about. You may find a note on the menu to encourage physical activity for a healthy life style.

After I gathered all this information I’d like to tell about my personal experience. When you come day after day to McDonalds you will find new friendships, people to talk to, to share some friendly words. It lifts up your day with smiles to fill empty spots in your brain with positive feelings.
The staff as well as the clientele is amazingly diversified and cosmopolitan. Not only by ethnic backgrounds, but by age also. There are very young babies in the arms of the parents and quite advanced aged individuals coming to McDonalds to a have “happy meal”.

If you have an hour to spend there to observe the happenings you will find, that there is not one dull moment in the continuously moving, coming, going people in this suburban restaurant for all ages, from all walks of lifes.

There are quiet times, and there are busy times at various hours of the day. But it is always well organized by a lovely Lady, who is the hostess and takes care of any problem of spilled food or some crying baby, or some lonely old man. I think she would be better to write about life at McDonalds since she is there so many years.
I find good food at McDonalds, and always leave the restaurant with more energy in my body and soul.

I am writings this essay anonymously. The location of this restaurant is in Long Island on the East Coast of USA.
Hope that all the other restaurants over the Globe are as nice as this one near my home.
Thank you to the people who work at McDonalds!

I took this essay to the restaurant at noon time. No need to tell you the tremendously happy smiling faces of the staff including the Boss.
Certainly will be more positive reactions coming. I'll keep you posted about the "Life at McDonalds". I believe that honestly working people should get the aknowledgment for their good work.
Gecko

Hello Gecko,

A really uplifting observation relating to the ordinary folk that help keep us fed. Good to hear you made a few people smile today.

I am from England I had thought that maybe you originated from Europe.

I look forward to more of your McDonald tales. Keep writing and making people smile.

Flame

A lot of people who had been 'hating' McDonalds have recently returned because of the new healthier menu. For me it was the discovery that they offer a 'senior' coffee. It's the same coffee but it's a lot cheaper.

By asking for a 'senior' coffee at the drive-thru window, they can't really look you up and down to decide if you really are a senior. By the time the line-up gets round to the pick-up window they usually aren't bothered if you don't look old enough. Or maybe I do look old enough!


~jwf~

The text with certain modifications ( write names in it, give the local address etc.) will be sent to the Corporate Headquaters which is in Chicago.

The stocks of McDonald's are doing well on the Stockmarket. I am not involved though.

However on this spot in this town those workers are smiling and so am i. Yes ofcourse this is guaratee for success.
Gecko

Thank you for your comments to Golden Flame and -jwf-

I am removing this text from my Journal now and will post it somewhere for more exposure! with giggle of Gecko

Yes, this is what I did: posted to AWW. It is a good idea. I am happy with the replies coming in! Gecko

Hi,
Nice to see you here. I've just mailed you.
Flame