Bona fide travellers delight in veering off the beaten path. But parents strive hard to replicate their children’s routine back home when they are abroad. This includes visiting McDonald’s. Don’t judge!

Thank goodness for globalisation. My children could rely on their comfort food composed of nuggets and fries and orange juice. Not the most healthy, but that is the least of their concerns. They craved for the Curious George toy that was in vogue in Japan now.

Still, visiting good old McDonald’s was a memorable experience for me. Firstly, I was rendered speechless by the level of care the staff had exhibited towards the baby chair. Not only did they disinfect it, but they put a wrap around it, along with a baby bib. When your daughter is screaming for fries to be shoved down her throat, I tell you these extra seconds saved tip the scales towards preserving a parent’s sanity.

Secondly, this outlet enables people to donate their Happy Meals toys for recycling. I’m sure I’m not the only parent whose guilt was assuaged upon seeing this collection box!

All in all, McDonald’s is a lifesaver.