An American in London

An American tourist in London decides to skip his tour group and explorethe city on his own. He wanders around, seeing the sights, occasionally stopping at a quaint pub to soak up the local culture, chat with thelocals, 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.

He really, really has to go, after all those Guinness's. He finds a narrowside street, with high walls surrounding the adjacent buildings and decidesto use the wall to solve his problem.As he is unzipping, he is tapped on the shoulder by a London bobby, who says,

"I say, sir, you simply cannot do that here, you know."

"I'm very sorry, officer," replies the American, "but I really, really haveto go, and I just can't find a public restroom."

"Ah, yes," said the bobby..."Just follow me".

He leads the American to aback delivery alley to a gate, which he opens.

"In there," points thebobby. "Whiz away sir, anywhere you like."

The fellow enters and finds himself in the most beautiful garden he hasever seen. Manicured grass lawns, statuary, fountains, sculptured hedges,and huge beds of gorgeous flowers, all in perfect bloom. Since he has thepoliceman'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."

Miles