Anecdote #49: I was once on tour in Eastern Europe when we found ourselves having to drive through Bulgaria.  The road humbly allotted us through an arid and abject landscape. Truth is we hadn't seen a place to eat or drink in an entire days drive. I passed by countless elderly men bent in half, dragging their hoes through dry beige dirt and there wasn't one structure with it's roof not caved in, but I was hungry, and we were in a third world country! Then suddenly, angels saaaaaaang!!!!,  two Golden Arches appeared, rising at the crust of a distant horizon. "The American Embassy!!!!", cried Chris and George! 

What I remember most about this particular Bulgarian McDonalds, is how dressed up its patrons were. I am talkin’ pearls and silk, jackets and ties, to the nines! Ironically, not showered and dirty, I was the one that smelled like a peasant. This was Bulgaria's version of Nobu or Mr. Chows! This was it for them, and it may have been the most special micky d's in the world. So as I would in any fine dining establishment, I respectfully pointed to my order. We must have dropped hundreds of dollars (pre euro) and I remember being able to buy those original golden apple pies, the ones that are deep fried and crispy (god I miss those).  On our walk back to the bus, a small, shirtless, barefooted filthy little boy begged me for my french fries. I gave him them, even though his begging was likened to a classic horror film.  He scared me a little.