~ Hammam ~

[Doğan Can Çiçek]

ay The Hodja went to the hammam. Looking at his poor clothes, the
workers at the hammam didn't treat him right and gave him torn towels.
In spite of the lousy service, Nasreddin Hodja gave them all fat tips
when leaving.

The next time Hodja went to the hammam, the workers provided him with
excellent service. They gave him the newest towels and massaged his
back. However, this time The Hodja left them only small changes. One
of the workers ventured to find out why.

`Hodja Effendi, last time you gave us big tips...' he hinted.

`Oh, yes. Those tips were for today's service,' Hodja replied,
`today's tips are for my previous visit.'





The following rendition is provided by very dear Ted Mihran. He tells
the story as his father used to tell him:



The Hodja went to a turkish bath, but since he was dressed poorly, the
attendants said, "Why should we heat the water or perfume the towels.
This man will not pay us well." So the Hodja got a cold bath and dried
himself with worn-out towels. Upon leaving, he gave the attendants a
gold coin. They were very surprised and pleased. So the next time they
saw him coming, they gave him the best of service. Steaming hot water,
perfumed, fluffy towels, etc. Upon leaving this time, he gave them the
smallest copper coin. "What is wrong, Hodja," they asked, "Were you
not pleased with your bath." The Hodja replied, "This copper coin is
to pay you for the bath I got last time. I have already paid for the
bath I got today."