London…the American way

Typical British names and buildings are everywhere around London, of course, but a large amount of American staples exist as well.
As Sam and I walk down what we’d call the main thoroughfares to take in the city, here’s what we pass.
Burger King…McDonald’s…KFC…TGI Friday’s…Subway…and finally, Starbucks.
Honestly, we’re a bit disappointed.
Maybe we should be proud as we walk by the symbols of American capitalism, which are like fingers enclosing their grip on another culture thousands of miles away from North America.
But we’re not.
Probably the saddest thing about the influx of American fast-food joints on London city streets is that the British seem to love them.
The restaurants are almost always full and people seem to be enjoying themselves.
Who can begrudge them for eating a cheap double whopper. But aren't these fast-food chains taking the place of homegrown eateries created and staffed by local Londoners?
In America, sometimes you have to struggle to find a good mom and pop shop to eat. Hopefully that won’t be the case in London in the future.
Simple prices might be the draw to go to these places.
After two days in London, we’re definitely aware of how expensive a big city can be.
A burger meal with fries for 2.99 starts to sound appealing when you’ve just spent 84 pounds—or about 120 bucks American—to see the Tower of London and book a half-day trip to Stonehenge.