Americana Abroad

When you think of Europe, what do you think of? One thousand year old castles, or Burger King? I hate to break it to you, but Europe has both of them. Yes, corporate America has stretched across the Atlantic and into every place imaginable on the old continent. It's good and it's bad, but in the end, it's just business. Let me give you an example of some small differences (ala Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction): Yes, you can get a beer at McDonald's but they make you pour it into a paper cup. Mayonnaise is more popular than ketchup, and you will always have to pay extra for little packets of ketchup. While breakfast at McDonald's still ends at 10:30, you can order a burger and fries anytime (even 6:00 AM!). Pizza Hut is seen as a real restaurant, complete with nicely dressed waiters and everything. I know that they're trying to take over the universe, and that everyone jokes about them, but I was happy to see a Starbucks pop up right near my apartment in Frankfurt - gotta love the Frappuccino.