Shave and a Haircut, 26 Euros

Today, I got a much needed haircut from a coiffeur for men and children. At least I think that's what the sign said.

It actually worked out quite nicely, really. I was in desperate need of a haircut, and my friend spotted a coifeur right by my school. Quite convenient, I should say. I did say, rather.


In truth, I've known I should have gotten one for a while, but when I originally searched for a hair salon in Paris, all I found were horror stories by Americans who hated their haircuts (one person said her kids and husband didn't even recognize her in the airport).

Of course, I then realized that these were all women, and truth be told they probably cared a lot more about their hair than I do.

So I arrived, sat right down, and the stylist began to cut my hair. I was worried about the language barrier, but I was actually able to convey exactly what I wanted (a little shorter, cut the sideburns) with great proficiency. In the middle of it, I went to another seat and he washed my hair. I don't know if this is a Euro thing or just a not-great-clips thing, but it certainly was a new experience for me. After I was all washed, he finished cutting my hair, even adding a bit of gel.

I then paid the man in cash, and left. Shockingly, no problems whatsoever.

And no, he didn't shave me. Sorry for the misleading title.

It's going to be a late night, because it's 11:06 and I'm going to watch my high school play in the football state championship for 10 minutes. It's moments like these I wish I was at home, of course. It also would have been nice to have Thanksgiving. They don't exactly have it here.

Ian

England, England, England, That's the Country For Me

Due to convenient timing, I had this past week off, and at the last moment I decided to take a trip up to jolly old England.

Charles de Gaule was easy enough to get to (although I accidentally didn't have a ticket for the last leg of the journey so I had to sneak in), and after a brief argument at check in (they claimed my backpack was too big and I disagreed), and a bus ride to the plane (that's never happened to me before), I arrived in Jolly old England.

After meeting my friend at the airport, I made my first of many mistakes and walked to wrong side of the car. Being in the left seat of the car and not driving was extremely terrifying, and I kept checking to see if I was stepping on imaginary pedals (I wasn't).

My first night I was treated to an authentic Chip shop, and had Fish and Chips which tasted better than any knockoff I've had here in America (sorry Fitz's). I also got to try Mushy Peas, which is really exactly what it sounds like...and quite nice.

On Tuesday I was given a brief tour and history lesson of Coventry, and then I was off on a train to London town.

It was quite a shock to be around English speakers again. I could order food and do everything I would normally do without worrying about miscommunication.

I first walked from my station to my hotel to drop off my bags, which turned out to be a nice little bed and breakfast. I then took the Underground to Leicester Square, got some food from a vendor and Chinatown, and made my way down to Trafalgar Square, which was utterly amazing. I didn't realize that Nelson's statue was on top of a gigantic column. Little did I know.

I then caught sight of Big Ben and made my way down to it, only to witness the changing of the calvary guard by sheer luck. I then saw Big Ben, made my down to Buckingham Palace to see hundreds of news truck and cameramen. The Royal Wedding had just been around.

I then made my dash across the city, seeing the Millennium Bridge (the one that gets twisted in Harry Potter), the Globe, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. I then made my way to the Strand and had a delightful dinner at Simpson's (courtesy of a recommendation from my girlfriend) and then went to the West End to see "Les Mis" at the Queen's Theatre. It was a phenomenal show and a magical evening.

The next morning I woke up early, had an English Breakfast at the bed and breakfast, and then made the 15 minute pilgrimage up to Abbey Road. I was amazed to see all the commuters passing by one of the most famous studios (and crosswalks) in existence. I was lucky enough to get a picture take of me crossing "The Crossing."

I then went back up north, and then made the drive to Stratford. I saw the "real" Globe theatre, Shakespeare's birthplace (complete with tour guides who had accents that I couldn't tell whether or not they were real or fake) and then Shakespeare's tomb.

After lots of traveling, I returned back to my friend's house for a relaxing evening, and unfortunately watching the French pummel the English in a friendly. Oh well.

The next morning I got back on a plane and headed home, completing an amazing journey to the land of my forefathers.

Here are the pictures to prove it:

Ian

Chip shop

Old Cathedral in Coventry

New Cathedral

Russell Square (by my hotel)

Chinatown

Vegetable bun

Oyster cake

Nelson's compensating for something...

Changing of the calvary guard

Big Ben himself

St. James Park

Buckingham Palace

London Eye

Media

Luckily no Death Eaters

The Globe

St. Paul's

Tower of London

Tower Bridge

Queen's Theatre

The Crossing

The Studio

Pure awesomeness :)

Muffin Man?

Shakespeare's birthplace

The real Globe

Shakespeare's tomb

St. Mary's church

Typical Blogger Apology

Like 98% of bloggers in existence (the other 2% get paid), I have to post the typical "I'm sorry for not blogging for a while" entry. I'm not going to even lie and say I was really busy (I wasn't). But, I am still sorry.

So here are some things that happened during my absence:

-I went to the top of L'Arc de Triomphe at night (for free!!!!) and it was incredibly beautiful. I'm sure it would have been a great sight during the day, but everything was quite perfect.

-I went to Disneyland Paris! I have to say, I'm thoroughly convinced Disneyland is the coolest thing ever. I hadn't been to Disneyland since I went to the original when I was five, so I was overwhelmed by everything like it was the first time. Plus,. everything was outfitted with Christmas decorations, and I absolutely love Christmas (especially when you hear songs from "The Muppet Christmas Carol.")

-I went to the Galeries Lafayette. No, I didn't buy anything, but it was another spectacle. I tried on some Euro fashion with mixed reviews. Random non-nonsensical English applied to advertising was everywhere, including my favorite "Noel Chaud Show."

-I went to the American Cathedral. It was on a Tuesday afternoon, unfortunately (I had actually found it looking for a bank) so I couldn't go inside, but I took some lovely pictures. They have Thanksgiving there, so I'm looking into that.

-That's pretty much all I can recall.

I'll do my best to post things more often. I just have to get back into the swing of things. Here are some items to expect from the near(ish) future:

-The Louvre

-Musée D'Orsay

-The top of the Eiffel Tower

-Trip to England

I'm really excited about that last one! I'll be sure to bring my camera.

Well, that's all from France. Pictures below.

Ian

American Cathedral

Outside Galeries Lafayettes

Some guy

I. Love. Christmas.

No words...

View from L'Arc de Triomphe

I really need to go there at night.

Intimidating staircase (luckily we only had to walk down)

I wonder what we'll find when we leave this RER station...

DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!

AHHHH THEY MADE MICKEY OUT OF HEDGES

CHRISTMAS!!!!

AHHH IS THAT A CASTLE???

IT IS IT'S A CASTLE

The best ride in existence (and no line!)

I love roller coasters (and free fast passes) 

It's a trap!...or a simulation

Honestly, not that frightening (and totally longer than a 15 minute wait that they promised)

Leave it to me...

Lights make everything better

Contact?

Merry Christmas! (almost)