Well, I hadn't laughed like this for a long time. This book "The picnic and such like pandemonium" is simply hilarious
Over zealous mother plans for a cruise on a Greek ship. They are welcomed by purser who is brimming with confidence and strong garlic smell. They go to the bar and Larry asks for largest glass of ouzo. The happy waiter asks if he wants ice. When answered in affirmation he says they do not have ice. When Larry asks water with drink, he brings it. Larry spits it after taking a single gulp. Waiter has added hot water to the drink. He explains as they have only hot water in the bar, he put it in the drink. Larry did not expect it, not even from a Greek.
Mother comes to the bar, not in search of ouzo (with hot water ??), but telling that Margo (her daughter ) is stuck in the lavatory. They all rush there and Leslie brings a steward. Steward manages to open the stuck door and says "Ladies never understand how to close this door" and to demonstrate it, he leads Margo inside the lavatory. And both are stuck inside now. Purser who comes tries to soothe mother saying Margo will be safe with a virgin.
Finally a carpenter is ushered who with a small screw driver opens the stuck door. Gives a big explanation and takes purser inside the lavatory. Yes, the carpenter and purser are stuck inside now.
If you think, things are wonderful now, wait for the next part. For the breakfast mother wants bread with grilled tomato. Waiter with some knowledge of English does not understand what is gill-ed. Mother tries explaining. Still confused, he brings bread raw with a raw tomato cut into two pieces. Mother says she wants the tomato to be grilled in the oven. He takes the bread, tomatoes in a napkin to the stove and places them in the flame. The whole thing burns, splashing into the customers who are sitting near by. Purser comes there, there are some angry words and he slaps the waiter. Waiter removes his uniform and stomps away. Purser tells the customers "Don't worry. I will dismantle this waiter in the next port".
I really laughed until there were tears in my eyes. In fact I knew of only Wodehouse. Jeeves stories were too subtle to laugh out loud. And there were too much complicated situations. Then I found Saki. Saki's stories are funny but more or satirical type. And of course Roald Dahl's William stories are good. But if you really want to laugh your heart out, you have to read this boo.
Over zealous mother plans for a cruise on a Greek ship. They are welcomed by purser who is brimming with confidence and strong garlic smell. They go to the bar and Larry asks for largest glass of ouzo. The happy waiter asks if he wants ice. When answered in affirmation he says they do not have ice. When Larry asks water with drink, he brings it. Larry spits it after taking a single gulp. Waiter has added hot water to the drink. He explains as they have only hot water in the bar, he put it in the drink. Larry did not expect it, not even from a Greek.
Mother comes to the bar, not in search of ouzo (with hot water ??), but telling that Margo (her daughter ) is stuck in the lavatory. They all rush there and Leslie brings a steward. Steward manages to open the stuck door and says "Ladies never understand how to close this door" and to demonstrate it, he leads Margo inside the lavatory. And both are stuck inside now. Purser who comes tries to soothe mother saying Margo will be safe with a virgin.
Finally a carpenter is ushered who with a small screw driver opens the stuck door. Gives a big explanation and takes purser inside the lavatory. Yes, the carpenter and purser are stuck inside now.
If you think, things are wonderful now, wait for the next part. For the breakfast mother wants bread with grilled tomato. Waiter with some knowledge of English does not understand what is gill-ed. Mother tries explaining. Still confused, he brings bread raw with a raw tomato cut into two pieces. Mother says she wants the tomato to be grilled in the oven. He takes the bread, tomatoes in a napkin to the stove and places them in the flame. The whole thing burns, splashing into the customers who are sitting near by. Purser comes there, there are some angry words and he slaps the waiter. Waiter removes his uniform and stomps away. Purser tells the customers "Don't worry. I will dismantle this waiter in the next port".
I really laughed until there were tears in my eyes. In fact I knew of only Wodehouse. Jeeves stories were too subtle to laugh out loud. And there were too much complicated situations. Then I found Saki. Saki's stories are funny but more or satirical type. And of course Roald Dahl's William stories are good. But if you really want to laugh your heart out, you have to read this boo.
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