Pauline is a nurse at the hospital in Bernay. Because of the proximity to the Channel and, therefore, England, it’s not uncommon for British patients to come in from time to time. Pauline doesn’t speak any English, and so she has asked for me to help her make a list of important questions that she must be able to say in a routine exam. It’s fairly easy for me, though sometimes I lack the proper medical jargon.
She repeats after me. “’Ave you ‘ad a poo?”
I struggle to keep a straight face and nod encouragingly. The translation doesn't sound quite right, but it's the best I can do.