TSER-SWOR ZAI NAR? (Lijiang)

Without question - the most important phrase in Mandarin Chinese. It ranks just above the all important "tway guin" [costs too much].

In the car on the way to the airport Mrs Chen drilled us on this phrase, "you need some pneumonic to help you remember it - something to do with church..."
"I know - how about a saw, hanging on the wall of the toilet at church - like in a workshop. Church-saw/Tser-swor," I suggested.
"Yes - that's a good idea," she replied.

I was without Kathryn and Jo for a few hours - and this phrase came in handy. Like the French - Chinese people appreciate you making an effort with their language (although they're much more likely to misunderstand you in a hilarious way) - today they were sympathetic.

[Where's the toilet?]