A few weeks ago, I finish my first day at the client site. I had spent a whole day auditing, which actually meant sitting around staring blankly at an Excel spreadsheet wondering how the numbers add up. I went back to the hotel tired and in need of quick food. We ordered at the restaurant but the food had not arrived after an hour. Waiting when hungry is not a good combination for me. So, I got up to the waitress, used some hand movements and asked for the food to come.

This was polite by Chinese standards, but was overly bold by British standards. I didn’t even think it was a big deal because I had got so used to demanding everything quickly in Tianjin. I used to feel that I greatly offended waiters whenever I asked for something. I’d use timid gestures and try to transmit my thoughts by telepathy. That inhibition has now gone, I get to eat sooner but I’m a little less British.

Back in Britain, McDonald’s is a last-resort for quick nutrition but in China it is somewhat of a luxury because it is expensive compared to native Chinese food. McDonald’s is the restaurant for the aspirational middle classes.

McDonald’s makes me feel like I am back at home. Except for the menu I can’t understand and the hoards of Chinese. The staff now knows to hand me the picture menu when they see me. It’s a nice place to sit down after a long day. I am a fan of the Swedish-style furniture, wood-panelled walls and the colour-scheme that is made up of 4 shades of brown. The staff are very helpful and you are not expected to clear your own rubbish. I still do so out of habit and they awkwardly try and take it out of my hands before I get to the bin.

I come here to work, to have a chat with my friends over a coffee and to eat double-cheeseburgers. Yes, I do need my fix of processed beef and cheese.