Big Mac Conversion

It was one of those things you just have to do when on holiday in France; eat snails in a proper French restaurant in the South of France.

But, the Escargots arrived in a form never seen before. Perplexed how to get them out of their shells, sitting and starring. Picture the scene: frown lines on forehead, head hanging over plate of little molluscs; elderly Frenchman from across the room, clearly realising the confusion not able to contain himself with outward and very pointed and guttural laughter, being handed the pre-requisite implements only to have the scene from 'Pretty Woman' with the waiter catching the flying shell come flooding back adding further pressure to the challenging episode. It was one of those moments that just sticks.

There were many other fond memories from the trip: the Zimbabwean born USA winger running around Bryan Habana, and then Bryan presenting him with his own Springbok rugby jersey at the end of the game; the vicious local French support for the underdog at the Fiji game, the tremendous country of France, family, and of course walking around the cheese and cold meat section in the local supermarket. No jokes, four 20m long isles, filled with every conceivable option and flavour, and realising it cost much the same price as it does in South Africa!

This sparked my interest in doing the 'Big Mac conversion' for real. Yes, surprised? They do have 'Mikkie D' in many of the 14th century little villages we passed through in the magnificently beautiful rural Provence.

So off to the local MacDonald’s in our small town of Pertuis (Per-twee) where we were greeted by two well rounded Springbok supporters in full battle gear - flag, horns, jersey, socks and a pint of Castle in the car park! They were passing fearful looks at all French men and winking at all the passing ‘French’ ladies including my life-partner, imagining what proud, powerful and fearful warriors they must look.

Well the Big Mac was 3.40 Euro about 33 Rand, and in Durban, RSA its 15.95 Rand. So the Big Mac costs a little more than double in France. With this widely accepted economics, this 'Big Mac conversion' basically means that as a tourist from South Africa, it is twice the price to exist in France!

Of course if you work in France and are earning a proper currency like the Euro then this conversion is invalid.

Discussing this with the petrol attendant yesterday, I explained that a litre of Diesel in France is almost double what we pay here. He was surprised and said we should, 'stop crying'.

It still confuses me though, why most of the food in France's supermarkets appeared to be much the same price as in South Africa?