He’s never eaten a quarter pounder with cheese.

“So there’s this restaurant, Kokoo, in America, called McDonald’s,” I say to our local barkeep.

My postmate, Dave, and I have been discussing what the chain restaurant would offer on its Dollar Menu if it opened a branch in Benin. Kokoo has been listening but not comprehending. So, I take it upon myself to try to explain the land of Happy Meals, McFlurry’s and Big Macs.

Afterward, Dave turns to me.

“I think that’s the first person I’ve met who hasn’t heard of McDonald’s.”