Tidbits About London

"The WC" -- Also Known As the Water Closet

The US really has got to get on board with the WC. Going into the ladies room in London, I'm not subjected to some half-ass, shoddingly built "stall" -- a stall with more cracks and gaps than actual covering, open at the bottom so everyone can see just how far you pull down your chonies, and a lock that never actually meets on both sides. Nope, the Brits have water closets. Fully enclosed rooms, where you can handle your business in quiet, with full walls and doors on all sides. Not only does this get two thumbs up for privacy (pronounced pree-vacy here), but if some woman decides to chat on her cell phone to the chagrine of the rest of us, at least I can close the door and tune her out.

Fly-Tipping

Fly-tipping. It was stated on a sign on the bus. It threatened bodily and monetary harm by the British government if conducted. I was lost at what exactly would be the infraction related to fly-tipping.

• Is it that a gentlemen is letting his fly hang open and thereby tipping a ladies sensibilities?
• Does it have something to do with the common housefly and therefore the term relates to harming animals?
• Is the British government suggesting that we do not attempt to fly-fish in the center of the city on the Thames?

Nope. Apparently, the tipping refers to the idea of dumping... and the gov doesn't want me to participate fly-dumping. Huh? OK, so the Brits also have come to use the word "fly" to mean "clever" in some unheard of slang originated in the 19th century here. Thus, they are telling me Do Not Cleverly Dump. Ok.... I would have thought that would have not been required to state. I really like the WCs here--see above. But if you really stretch the imagination, and play with the words, you'll come to realize that the sign is saying "No Sneaky Dumping of Trash" aka "No Littering." Seriously British folks, why couldn't you just say that!