+Belgian Waffles!
+Lady Luck
+Grand Cathedral
+New Hair Part Un!
+New Hair Part Deux!
Has anything ever happened to you that at the time was quite distressing, but afterwards was actually quite hilarious? That happened to me recently when I got “Frenchicized”. Last Saturday, I decided to pay a little visit the local “coiffeuse” to see what could be done about my hair. I’ve always wanted to play with it but have been held back by the combination of it needing to fit neatly into a bun (for ballet) and my own fear. But this time, besotted with my own independence, I figured, let’s give it a go and gave the hairdresser free reign. We decided on a color (“chocolat” which is every bit as delicious as the name implies) and the cut I left up to her saying only “quelque chose different mais jolie, s’il vous plait”.
Well, when it was finished I did think it looked nice, right up until I saw what it cost. She announced the price to me and as I’m horrible with numbers, I asked if I could please see it on the calculator. Glancing down, I lost a good four or five years of my life when I saw that it was 514 euros. Yes, you read that correctly, five HUNDRED and fourteen. I knew that the French valued their appearance - God forbid someone leave the house without each curl in place, eyebrows plucked and five inch heals shined - but to pay five hundred and fourteen euros for hair seemed a little excessive! What was I going to do? Did I have enough money for this? Who did I have to take off my Christmas list? Was it even worth it? WHAT WAS I GOING TO TELL MY MOM?!
Since I didn’t have all the cash with me, I gave her my credit card, but the machine didn’t accept it. I was in a panic at this point and trying to keep my cool and not start hyperventilating in a French hair salon. Luckily, she was very nice and told me that she trusted me (and my host family, whose hair she’s done since the children were very young) and I could come back on Tuesday with the money. Long story short (too late), when my host mother asked what I thought about my hair, I said: “Je suis tres content avec le fringe et le colour, mais pas vraiment avec le prix…c’etait 514 euro” to which she replied “QUOI? Non, non, non…c’est pas possible. You must have not heard/seen correctly, I’m sure it’s only 51.40”.
Calmed, but still incredibly anxious, I returned Tuesday morning during a break from school and paid…the plus petit sum of 51.40 euro.
Now: Funny. Then: Not so much.
Other than that near hysteria situation, I’ve been doing quite well. The weekend of Nov 8th and 9th I went to Belgium with my host family and spent Saturday in Brussels. I really, really enjoyed the city; since it’s the home of the European Union, it’s quite international and I heard more languages and saw more cultures in that one day than I think I’ve ever seen in my whole life combined. It was very beautiful and historic and I saw, among other things, the royal palace, the Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, the famous “Mannikan Piss” statue, “Lady Luck”, the beautiful downtown and lots and lots of Belgian waffles. I also learned a lot about Belgium that I never knew…it has a rich history and I’m surprised we never learned more about it in school.
This weekend I have a Rotary conference and as my host family is going to be in Belgium, I’m staying with a Rotary friend, Victoria, for the weekend. Then, Monday I’m going to babysit (I also babysat last Tuesday night), Tuesday I have a Rotary “soiree-cinema” and Friday, I think Astrid is going to have a little Thanksgiving for me. Saturday is another Rotary day…I’ll be working at the “banque alimentaire” (food bank) and the following Monday is yet another Rotary conference. December 13th brings another trip to Belgium for the wedding of my “aunt”, but further than that, I don’t think I have too much going on.
It’s weird for me to think I’m going to miss Thanksgiving with my family this year. I’m trying really hard to think of this whole holiday season not as “inferior” to the one I’m used to, rather just different. Easier said than done.
I should also mention that as I’m writing this I should be in school. However I’m not, because the teachers are on strike. Oh, France…
Happy twelve weeks and one day to me! Wow, eight-six whole days…I can’t believe it! And Happy Thanksgiving to all, enjoy your turkey!
Hope everyone is well! Gros Bisous,
Kristen
Well, when it was finished I did think it looked nice, right up until I saw what it cost. She announced the price to me and as I’m horrible with numbers, I asked if I could please see it on the calculator. Glancing down, I lost a good four or five years of my life when I saw that it was 514 euros. Yes, you read that correctly, five HUNDRED and fourteen. I knew that the French valued their appearance - God forbid someone leave the house without each curl in place, eyebrows plucked and five inch heals shined - but to pay five hundred and fourteen euros for hair seemed a little excessive! What was I going to do? Did I have enough money for this? Who did I have to take off my Christmas list? Was it even worth it? WHAT WAS I GOING TO TELL MY MOM?!
Since I didn’t have all the cash with me, I gave her my credit card, but the machine didn’t accept it. I was in a panic at this point and trying to keep my cool and not start hyperventilating in a French hair salon. Luckily, she was very nice and told me that she trusted me (and my host family, whose hair she’s done since the children were very young) and I could come back on Tuesday with the money. Long story short (too late), when my host mother asked what I thought about my hair, I said: “Je suis tres content avec le fringe et le colour, mais pas vraiment avec le prix…c’etait 514 euro” to which she replied “QUOI? Non, non, non…c’est pas possible. You must have not heard/seen correctly, I’m sure it’s only 51.40”.
Calmed, but still incredibly anxious, I returned Tuesday morning during a break from school and paid…the plus petit sum of 51.40 euro.
Now: Funny. Then: Not so much.
Other than that near hysteria situation, I’ve been doing quite well. The weekend of Nov 8th and 9th I went to Belgium with my host family and spent Saturday in Brussels. I really, really enjoyed the city; since it’s the home of the European Union, it’s quite international and I heard more languages and saw more cultures in that one day than I think I’ve ever seen in my whole life combined. It was very beautiful and historic and I saw, among other things, the royal palace, the Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, the famous “Mannikan Piss” statue, “Lady Luck”, the beautiful downtown and lots and lots of Belgian waffles. I also learned a lot about Belgium that I never knew…it has a rich history and I’m surprised we never learned more about it in school.
This weekend I have a Rotary conference and as my host family is going to be in Belgium, I’m staying with a Rotary friend, Victoria, for the weekend. Then, Monday I’m going to babysit (I also babysat last Tuesday night), Tuesday I have a Rotary “soiree-cinema” and Friday, I think Astrid is going to have a little Thanksgiving for me. Saturday is another Rotary day…I’ll be working at the “banque alimentaire” (food bank) and the following Monday is yet another Rotary conference. December 13th brings another trip to Belgium for the wedding of my “aunt”, but further than that, I don’t think I have too much going on.
It’s weird for me to think I’m going to miss Thanksgiving with my family this year. I’m trying really hard to think of this whole holiday season not as “inferior” to the one I’m used to, rather just different. Easier said than done.
I should also mention that as I’m writing this I should be in school. However I’m not, because the teachers are on strike. Oh, France…
Happy twelve weeks and one day to me! Wow, eight-six whole days…I can’t believe it! And Happy Thanksgiving to all, enjoy your turkey!
Hope everyone is well! Gros Bisous,
Kristen
3 comments:
Hey Kristen! It's Josette, from Anthropology last year. I'm very happy I found your blog. :) It's so interesting! I hope you're having a great time. I'm actually in the process of applying to rotary. Yesterday was the District interviews, so now I just wait to see it I've been accepted. Can you tell me about your experience applying? Also, you look very beautiful! The story about the hair cut is so funny! My sister Analis and I love your new look (good thing it's not 514 euro).
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hey Josette! My mom told me that you had applied (my family is hosting Karthik) and I'm so glad to hear it! What countries are you interested in?
I'd be happy to share my Rotary application experience, feel free to drop me an email (kristenzking@yahoo.com) and I'll answer anything you want to know :].
Hope you're enjoying senior year!
Dear Wonderful Kristen,
Your "new" hair is GREAT...and I/We
LOVE the French Choc look almost as
much as your blog comments on 514
euro (glad it finally was 51.4 euros, but with my (Papa's "full"
head of gray hair) it would have only cost 5.14 euros - lol).
Of course, we will miss you physically on Thanksgiving Day...but you will be with us BIG
TIME in Spirit...as you are every
day and night while away on your
MARVELOUS FRENCH ADVENTURE (and Belgium sounds super, too!)......
HAPPY THANKSGIVING...and we will talk to you again soon!!!
With MUCH Love Always,
Papa and Nommie
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