China Day 17

Woke up super late to catch up on the lack of sleep I had in the previous few days. This meant waking up at almost 11am... Man, sleeping at 2am?? I'm going to be so jet lagged when I go back to Australia...

Went to Macca's (third time this trip?? Sigh), and was handed a full page of coupons. They also came around with free samples of the McCafe latte and mini soft serves (only given to children). Something that we don't get back in Sydney.

(Roughly divide Chinese rmb price by 5 to obtain approximate AUD value)

The prices at Chinese Macca's is also heaps cheaper, and I mean it. These coupons, which are regular things, offer an entire burger and orange juice for just $3AUD, or chips and a McFlurry for just over $3AUD. No cheap man Mcflurries here needed; they're already cheap. The service is also a tonne better, from my experience. "Welcome" greets you from a few of the store workers the second you grace your presence into the room.

I think a reason for this (as I was discussing with my mother over medium fries) was likely because in Guangzhou, McDonalds isn't the monopoly franchise. I use that figuratively-- of course there's always KFC and such, but Macca's is definitely a big player in the fast food game. But here? There's so much competition for other fast food chains, many which specialise in Chinese cuisine, which suits the tastebuds of the public here. 

Furthermore, people here (and in China in general), believe in a state of health which I believe is called, direct translation, 'hot air'. In summary, it's unhealthy, and causes bad breath, break outs in acne, and overall poor health, and it's a common belief/understanding that fried (especially deep-fried) food is very 'hot'. Thus, most people here have been raised to eat minimal amounts, and to drink special tea that reverses these effects ("cooling tea", so to speak). Perhaps it's their culture, diet, or just biology, but the people here are especially prone and vulnerable to having "hot air", and thus are quite careful in the amounts of fried food they eat. And anyone with half a brain knows that Macca's is full of fried food. (feel free to google the concept of Chinese health 'hot air' for more info. It's very difficult to explain it in English -- it's a concept I've always grown up with, and failed year after year to try and explain it to my non-Chinese friends)

Thus, my point is, that Macca's here has to compete. They have to try and maintain customers, especially in a country with so many people. The McDonalds here are always packed -- it's difficult to find a place to sit -- yet, that's likely due to the population density, rather than popularity. And that's why they have all these coupon promotions and free samples and good service. You wouldn't expect any less from an international fast food giant like Macca's.

Anyway, long tangent.

Also, pineapple pie?! No apple pie?!

Afterwards, more shopping!

The rest of the day was pretty boring. We went back to the OneLink Toy place (I forget the exact name; I mentioned it earlier on) and bought a few more toys (mostly plush toys).

Disney Tsum Tsum!

Always wanted a peas in a pod toy.

Also bought a couple of handbags at another place, and that was it, really. We went to a place in GZ to shop around, and I saw a lot of Nationalist pride around.

Also made for some street photog opportunities!

Oh China, never change.

It was quite a crowded place, and going upstairs offered up a nice view of the street.

Ants.

Dinner consisted of more fast food, from 'Real Kung Fu', a very popular Chinese fast food franchise in China. This dinner was a very simple one for the final dinner, but it was just for my brother and I. My parents went out to have proper dinner at somewhere fancy with more fancy people, whilst we just had some quality relaxing time, filled with electronic games, books, and Spanish.

A final night, sleeping at 2am, because if I'm going to have an excuse to mess up my sleeping pattern, I'll be sure to make the most of it. I practically fell asleep at the same time the sun rose in Sydney.

That's a sign I'm ready to return.