You know I had never realized that McDonalds changed their menus depending on the country it's in. Of course I have not been to alot of places but where I have been I have not ate at McDonalds. I have two young sons and see enough of McDonalds at home.

hehe , that is right , i never eat there anymore as well .

xxx

From what I've seen, McDonald's makes some changes but the menu is pretty basic worldwide. For instance, you won't see a McRib sandwich on some menus in countries where religion forbids eating of pork. Otherwise, I was in a Mcdonald's in a more remote part of Japan and it had all the same stuff we get here and there were few changes.

I figured as much that in some of the more modern and populated cities these stores would be more popular. Anyways just a random thought, I've always wanted to go to Egypt simply to ride a camel. I don't know why but Camels have always fascinated me, they are amazing animals. Long eyelashes for sand storms, can not drink for long periods of time, can sprint incredibly fast. They are the perfect desert animal. /end randomness

I am very jealous. We don't have anything like that in Hurghada and if you are 'small' like me, shopping is an absolute nightmare. No shoes to fit, trousers which I could fit 2 people in to.
Well nothing else for it, will have to pay a visit to Cairo.
Egyptian Sharm - Can you tell me about the City Mall please. Where is it, are the shops expensive?

Cynic ,

the City Stars shopping mall is located in Madinet nasr , near the airport. it is like seven floors building connected the newest biggest hotel in Cairo, Interconti. city stars.

shops there are very good but believe me one day is not enough to go around and see everything, some shops are really very expensive and some other shop keep the market price. you will really have a lot of varities.

if you want something urgent please let me know i can bring it to you as i am off to hurghada on sunday.


xxx

It is very interesting to read about all these franchises. I live in Guatemala and we have the same thing, a lot of different Western companies coming in and setting up shop. Do you think it takes away from the culture of the country, or is it just to be expected, since most countries now have places McDonald´s and Burger King, etc.?

I have really mixed feelings about it because, as an American, I'm almost embarassed to see a KFC or gold arches in a foreign country. But, I can remember being in Budapest shortly after freedom from Communist rule was declared and a Nike store had gone in on the main shopping street. There were lines of Hungarians who wanted them. So, if local people want something, they're the ones who should get to have a say.

I feel this way, too, for the most part. I do realize that when a business from another country moves into my own country, though, it's exciting for me... I'm sure it's the same for other areas of the world, too. If the local people don't want it, they won't shop there or eat there, and it will eventually go away if it's not profitable.

I don't think it would be so bad for western stores to go into other cultures, but it seems that the prices charged are way out of the range that they should be charging for some of the places they go. I realize that everyone's money "translates" differently, but sometimes it seems like they're overcharging for something that wouldn't cost as much in the States.