Things I’ve seen number two: public pissing

Two episodes of broad-daylight urination that stand out:

The first, Stockholm in 2001, at my local systembolaget (state liquor store) – at about 2pm (so broad daylight even in Sweden).

A guy walking out as I was walking in. Business suit, obviously not poor – but clutching the week’s special bottle of gin, whisky, vodka or whatever to his chest like a newborn baby. He walks to the kerb, stops, unzips and starts letting forth into the gutter without even a hint of embarrassment.


The second, Paris, May or June this year. Again, broad daylight in the entrance to the Gare de l’est metro station.

A woman, middle age, crouching in the corner, skirt and tights round her ankles, gushing a stream that would put most horsse to shame. Public toilets? 20m away.