So if you read my “By the numbers” post below, you’ll know that I have already eaten at McDonalds this trip. Twice. It’s a little embarrassing, but I have a defense.

Some of the food here as been incredible, and some really really bad. We went to a noodle bar near the hotel that didn’t have noodles! My rule is that if a meal isn’t good or doesn’t fill me up, it’s OK to have a burger. That way, I’m still trying the local cuisine.

And let’s face it, you can’t find stuff you like all the time.

But if you’re wondering, the McDonalds here is just a little different. There are fewer burgers on the menu because the Chinese really like chicken and fish. And for dessert, there’s more than just an apple pie. They have this tart thing filled with purple goo – some kind of tropical fruit – and other fruit drinks made of fruits I never guessed would be made into fruit drinks. I think the burgers taste better, though.

I just got back from Pizza Hut down the street, where you can order clam chowder pastries, escargot and calamari while listening to Ace of Base and Christmas carols. We ordered “The American,” pepperoni pizza. Lame, I know.