The Mystery of W.C.
When I was in Shanghai recently, I (and all my touring friends) realised that in China, they called their toilets W.C. It is a common enough acronym that is even used in Singapore occasionally. We were stumped though when an eleven year-old girl who was also on the tour asked us innocently: what does W.C. stand for? I was stumped too. So back here in Singapore, I decided to do a search on the web, and voila! It stands for... well, read the following hilarious anecdote found freely on the web...
A British lady, while visiting Switzerland was looking for a room and she asked the local post master if he could recommend any. He helped her to see several rooms and when everything was settled the lady returned to England to make final preparation for the move.
When she arrived home, the thought suddenly occurred to her that she had seen no W.C (which is short for Water Closet, or a toilet) around the place. So she immediately wrote to the post master asking him if there was a "W.C" over there. The postmaster was very weak in English, so he asked the local priest if he could help in the matter. Together they tried to discover the meaning of the letters "W.C" and the only solution they could find for the letters was "Wayside Chapel", the local church. The post master then wrote the following note to the English lady seeking a W.C with her room.
Dear Madam:
I take great comfort in informing you that the "W.C" is situated nine miles from the house in the center of a lovely grove of trees, surrounded by lonely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and is open on Sunday and Thursday only. As there are a great many people expected during the summer months, I would suggest you come early, although there is usually plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation especially if you are in the habit of going regularly. You will no doubt be glad to learn that a good number bring their lunch and make a day of it, while others who can afford to come by car, arrive just in time. I specially advise your ladyship to go on Thursday, when there is also an organ playing. The acoustics and sound effects are excellent and even the most delicate sound can be heard by all.
It may interest you to know that my daughter was married in the "W.C" and it was there that she met her husband. I can remember the rush there was for seats, there were ten people to a seat, usually occupied by one and it was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces. The newest attraction is a bell, donated by a wealthy resident of the district. It rings everytime a person enters.
A bazaar is to be held to provide plush seats for all since the people believe that it is a long felt need. My wife is rather delicate, so she cannot go regularly. It is almost a month since she went last. Naturally it pains her very much not to be able to go more often. I shall be delighted to reserve the best seat for you if you wish, where you may be seen by all. Of course the children go at a separate time, so as not to disturb their elders.
Hoping to be of service to you, I remain.
Yours Truly.
The Post Master.
A British lady, while visiting Switzerland was looking for a room and she asked the local post master if he could recommend any. He helped her to see several rooms and when everything was settled the lady returned to England to make final preparation for the move.
When she arrived home, the thought suddenly occurred to her that she had seen no W.C (which is short for Water Closet, or a toilet) around the place. So she immediately wrote to the post master asking him if there was a "W.C" over there. The postmaster was very weak in English, so he asked the local priest if he could help in the matter. Together they tried to discover the meaning of the letters "W.C" and the only solution they could find for the letters was "Wayside Chapel", the local church. The post master then wrote the following note to the English lady seeking a W.C with her room.
Dear Madam:
I take great comfort in informing you that the "W.C" is situated nine miles from the house in the center of a lovely grove of trees, surrounded by lonely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and is open on Sunday and Thursday only. As there are a great many people expected during the summer months, I would suggest you come early, although there is usually plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation especially if you are in the habit of going regularly. You will no doubt be glad to learn that a good number bring their lunch and make a day of it, while others who can afford to come by car, arrive just in time. I specially advise your ladyship to go on Thursday, when there is also an organ playing. The acoustics and sound effects are excellent and even the most delicate sound can be heard by all.
It may interest you to know that my daughter was married in the "W.C" and it was there that she met her husband. I can remember the rush there was for seats, there were ten people to a seat, usually occupied by one and it was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces. The newest attraction is a bell, donated by a wealthy resident of the district. It rings everytime a person enters.
A bazaar is to be held to provide plush seats for all since the people believe that it is a long felt need. My wife is rather delicate, so she cannot go regularly. It is almost a month since she went last. Naturally it pains her very much not to be able to go more often. I shall be delighted to reserve the best seat for you if you wish, where you may be seen by all. Of course the children go at a separate time, so as not to disturb their elders.
Hoping to be of service to you, I remain.
Yours Truly.
The Post Master.
posted by ekkie at 5:06 am
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home