TouristAn American tourist in London decides to skip his tour group and explore
the city on his own. He wanders around, seeing the sights, occasionally
stopping at a quaint pub to soak up the local culture, chat with the
locals, and have a pint of bitter.
After a while, he finds himself in a very nice neighbourhood with big,
stately residences. No pubs, no stores, no restaurants, and worst of all
no public restrooms.
However, he really has to go, after all those Guinnesses. He finds a
narrow side street, with high walls surrounding the adjacent buildings
and decides to use the wall to solve his problem.
As he is unzipping, he is tapped on the shoulder by a London bobby, who
says, "Sir, you simply cannot do that here, you know."
"I'm very sorry, officer," replies the American, "but I really have to
go, and I just can't find a public restroom."
"Ah, yes," said the bobby, "just follow me". He leads the American to a
back delivery alley to a gate, which he opens.
"In there," points the bobby, "whiz away sir, anywhere you like."
The fellow enters and finds himself in the most beautiful garden he has
ever seen. Manicured grass lawns, statuary, fountains, sculptured
hedges, and huge beds of gorgeous flowers, all in perfect bloom.
Since he has the policeman's blessing, he relieves himself and feels
much more comfortable. As he goes back through the gate, he says to the
bobby "That was really decent of you. Is that what you call English
hospitality?"
"No sir...", replied the bobby, "that is what we call the French
Embassy."
