A tip that was not well received.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by 037

Flavio, what can I say...

Urine trouble. Urine big trouble.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by joli160

If this was in AMS you experienced some typical Amsterdam cynical humour. People there always have a smart ass response and can never shut up
Quite sure her remark was in no way meant to be offending.

This was likely the case. I have spent a lot of time in The Netherlands for work and leisure. My co-workers had a wry sense of humor that took some getting used to.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

This was likely the case. I have spent a lot of time in The Netherlands for work and leisure. My co-workers had a wry sense of humor that took some getting used to.

Sure. The location is irrelevant. I've been there on the last 25 years, renting the same apartment on the last 18 lol. Just thought it would be a nice discusiion on salaries, approaches, I don''t know. It's friday. I'll put my glass down now. Sorry.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 037

Flavio, what can I say...

Urine trouble. Urine big trouble.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I've always been worried about tips in NY and I always try to be generous, but in Europe I never cared that much until a couple years ago. However, as time goes by and I'm tipping more and more over there too, leaving notes and tips for the cleaning staff at the apartment I rent, tipping at bars, restaurants etc, but this particular time I had to deal with a strange reaction.

I was at my usual destination some weeks ago having drinks etc and had to use the restroom while walking in the city center. Wife said there's a McDonalds over there, so I went and the cost was 50 cents. I had two coins in my pocket, 2 euros each. The lady at the door said to me we don't have change. I said no problem, gave her two coins, 4 euros, and said you can keep the change. I thought it was a nice gesture tipping someone responsible for a public toilet, but apparently it was a mistake. She looked at me and said oohh I'm rich right now and laughed. Well, I know the tip was not much money, but it was 8x the service cost, so I don't think I was offending anyone.

Just need to say I'm not complaining here and I was not sad or anything so no one needs to feel sorry for me lol but it was a bit weird. I'm not sure I should stop worrying that much about tipping in Europe or it was just someone having a bad day. Thoughts?

Something many Americans have a poor grasp of… being facetious/dry wit.
It’s a base for a lot of daily European/British humour, which more often than not, goes right over your heads and gets misconstrued as rudeness.
Sometimes it can be a bit barbed, but that’s usually very situational dependent.

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by FTX I

No I paid 50 cents.

This is interesting,...I’ve never been to anyplace where I need to piss.

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Maybe it included a happy ending.

Clearly not very happy lol

[bondtoys]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

I think I’ve led a sheltered life; I’d be bemused by this encounter.

McDonalds puts an attendant at the door of the toilet?
They charge you to have a piss?
The person whose job it is to collect 50c off people has no change?
The person who can’t get a better job than bog-keeper scoffs at a tip?

Maybe she was stoned.

The sad story is even sadder unfortunately:

It‘s quite common all over Europe, that McDonalds and others are (I kid you not) are renting out the toilets to big corporates.
They then employ the toilet ladies and men and pay them a minimum wage and in exchange they are obliged to hand over the tips that they are receiving.

[LandWatch]

Originally Posted by PJ S

Something many Americans have a poor grasp of… being facetious/dry wit.
It’s a base for a lot of daily European/British humour, which more often than not, goes right over your heads and gets misconstrued as rudeness.
Sometimes it can be a bit barbed, but that’s usually very situational dependent.

She probably also thought your “keep the change ..” was an attempt at humour. She responded suitably and accordingly. She would have probably expected your response to be a wry smile!

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by PJ S

Something many Americans have a poor grasp of… being facetious/dry wit.
It’s a base for a lot of daily European/British humour, which more often than not, goes right over your heads and gets misconstrued as rudeness.
Sometimes it can be a bit barbed, but that’s usually very situational dependent.

First, I’ll preface by saying British humor is f’ing hilarious...when that’s what it is. However, attempts to insult under the guise of that dry humor is not lost on (most) of us.

[Zakalwe]

Originally Posted by pickettt

attempts to insult under the guise of that dry humor is not lost on (most) of us.

This is the basis of our entire social culture!

[PJ S]

^
There’s no subtlety to Ricky’s Golden Globes one-man roasting show. It’s obvious, a bit contrived and contrite, as well as intentionally meant to be deemed borderline offensive especially in the context of “Hollywood Royalty/Elite”.
That and any of his other shows (stand-up and TV) are far removed from the nature of what happened in the McD’s bathroom that the OP has described.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

This is the basis of our entire social culture!

Yep… taking the micky out of others at every given opportunity as well as self-deprecation. It’s that latter aspect which is a uniquely British trait.

[polaris72]

Originally Posted by PJ S

^
There’s no subtlety to Ricky’s Golden Globes one-man roasting show. It’s obvious, a bit contrived and contrite, as well as intentionally meant to be deemed borderline offensive especially in the context of “Hollywood Royalty/Elite”.
That and any of his other shows (stand-up and TV) are far removed from the nature of what happened in the McD’s bathroom that the OP has described.

Loved Ricky's roasting of disconnected Hollywood royalty. Perhaps came late, because no one really cares what they have to say.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Sure. The location is irrelevant. I've been there on the last 25 years, renting the same apartment on the last 18 lol. Just thought it would be a nice discusiion on salaries, approaches, I don''t know. It's friday. I'll put my glass down now. Sorry.

I apologize I missed the gist of your post. I didn't know you were a local. Maybe I should have had a little more to drink myself and would have seen your post for the conversation you intended

[FHFinster]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

in the OP's instance I would just whip it out and pee on the floor right in front of her and drop the coins in the puddle.

ROFL. Heck yes.


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