Tag Archives: Quest

Mostly True Stories, Places

Knights Errant Quest

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Questing began about a thousand years ago. Knights Errant, or roving/wandering Knights would choose a quest, sometimes in the name of their lady love, and search, against all odds and obstacles, for the object of their quest, however misguided.  Sir Percival searched for the mythical Holy Grail his whole life. Don Quixote conquered unconquerable foes in his effort to rescue the virtuous,  Dulcinea.

My quest, possibly misguided, in the tradition of the greatest, all be it, fictional Knights, is to eat at one McDonalds in every country I visit.

As many of you know, I have a love for Big Macs. It began when I was fourteen, playing baseball for a team sponsored by McDonalds. Every time I got a base hit I got a coupon for something from McDonalds. A base hit got you fries. A double got a hamburger. A triple, a Big Mac. And, a home run was a value meal.

I was pretty good. I got a lot of Big Macs and value meals. I was hooked–for life. Now, I can’t pass International Golden Arches without thinking about those days, and my Quest.

Keep in mind, I have the greatest respect, well, maybe not the greatest respect, but respect nonetheless, for Morgon Spurlock. I’m not trying to be Morgan Spurlock. In fact, I believe Morgan Spurlock was wrong. Nevertheless, I recognize the authenticity of his quest.

McDonalds, Valletta, Malta
at a Valletta, Malta, McDonalds.

My quest, much like Sir Percival, may take the rest of my life. I am hoping, that my quest won’t take my life–I really don’t eat at McDonalds all the time. I intend no disrespect for local cuisine. In fact, some of the best food I have ever eaten, is local, cuisine.

McDonalds
McDonalds in Valletta, Malta, by the airport.

Did you know that every McDonalds in every country not only offers the traditional McDs menu, but also has some local food offering–like, the Generous Gina Burger, here in Malta–see–outstanding local cuisine.

I digress.

Ryan, Davy and RJ at McDonalds in Valletta, Malta.

I have not yet been successful in visiting McDs in every country, because, I have yet visited every country. And, not every country has a McDonalds. It may also be noted that my Squires in training do not share the same commitment to the quest that I do. Sancho Panza still lives and I’m working with him on that.

Questing tally–68 countries, 42 McDonalds.

Best McDonalds–Singapore (although South Las Vegas is right up there).

Worst McDonalds–Caracas, Venezuela (sorry Venezuela, I know you’ve got problems, but, so does your McDonalds).

Mantra–Big Mac Forever.

Mostly True Stories, People

She’s Leaving Home

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She left for college last week, my youngest daughter. She was so excited and busy preparing. We were out together and I wanted to take her picture.

No.

Why not?

People are watching.

Come on, just stand over there. The light is nice.

DSC03548_Chloe on Stairs_Pike Place MarketNo!

She can be that way, stubborn, strong willed, opinionated. If there were still knights in the world, I’m sure she would be among their order, defending the weak, championing the right and the good against injustice. She was not shy about telling me when my decisions were, in her opinion, unjust. She was, often, like now, embarrassed by my actions.

Dad, not now.

I took a picture of her shadow as she walked away. I didn’t ask for permission.

She is gone, away to college. I am confident that in her studies she will find a grail, or bring back an elixir that will change the world. Her quest has certainly changed mine.

Our house is much quieter. I don’t wait up at night for her to come home. Her room is clean.

Yet, in the early morning, I still catch glimpses of her shadow and I find that I miss the light of her smile.

DSC00794_Chloe
Chloe