A few months ago, Ashley’s school had organised a trip to the zoo, and this was soon followed by a trip to McDonald’s as a way of making sure children learnt where everything falls into place on the food chain. Not that Ashley really cared as all that mattered to her were the French fries. No surprises if she chooses to major in languages over science when she grows up.

The day started with all of us gathering at her school, and while waiting for roll call, I had a chance to photograph Ashley in her classroom. I also got to know some of her friends and put faces to some of the names she usually mentions over the dinner table.

It then dawned upon me that in no time, she would be inviting friends over for study groups and Wii sessions.

A bit too young for this though…

And so, we waited some more. And got a little bored…

But, finally, we were underway!

Upon arriving at the largest McDonald’s outlet in Singapore at King Albert Park, we proceeded to occupy the most strategic seats in the joint.

There’s just something about munching on a Happy Meal on a Monday. A brief burst of joy to drown away the blues. A mix of melancholy and fond nostalgia as the taste buds are suddenly reminded of a time not too long ago. A feeling that the weekend isn’t really over, though the lingering realisation that 4 days of school remain before the next one.

Unfortunately, there was to be no pictures of the kitchen tour as McDonald’s staff are highly trained to detect any form of industrial espionage. As they quite rightly sensed upon me pulling out my camera, I was really planning to use the pictures of my kid looking around their kitchen as research material for the next McCurry outlet opening in town.

Hamburglar would have been proud had I got away with it.

Nonetheless, it was still all smiles as we wrapped up the trip with a customary pose with the red afro clown himself.