The name of the Roman Emperor Vespasian has rather different connotations in Dorset and in Italy (and in Corfu), where people might still say "I'm just going to the Vespasiani", as we might say "I'm just going to the loo".
Visitors to Dorchester from Italy and the Ionian Islands may get the wrong idea when they see a sign directing them to Vespasian House.
Wikipedia spells it out:
"In modern Romance languages, urinals are still named after him (for example, vespasiano in Italian, and vespasienne in French) probably in reference to a tax he placed on urine collection (useful due to its ammoniac content; see Pay toilet).
Hallo, I came across your blog when doing a search for Irene Dendrinos. I'm in Corfu for a month, working on some writing and translation. It looks as though you are not here now but if you are likely to be, it would be lovely to meet up. I will look out for your book, excellent review! All best, Morelle
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