creative drying

This place I'm staying has a beautiful courtyard with all sorts of plants and flowers, but no place to hang my clothes to dry, so I had to get creative :)

Hey, its me and my new haircut. I was told haircuts in France were expensive and most likely wouldn't be able to communicate how I wanted it done. So I thought I'd wait until I got to Jor where I'd have a better chance of getting what I wanted. But I didn't know I would be getting the triple de-lux haircut down at Saleem's.
I had just a bit of trouble communicating what I wanted, mainly b/c there was someone in the barber's shop that actually spoke english....and he confused us all. But after we got what I want settled, it was great. Afterward, he washed my hair. Its always weird for me when someone else washes my hair, and it obviously doesn't happen to often. This had an added scalp massage and I found a new tickle spot on my forehead where the hairline is. It took all of me to keep from laughing and squirming when he put the water nozzle on my tickle spot, but I couldn't keep in the HUGE smile that came across my face.

Then the strangeness began. I thought we were done. But he guided me back to the chair and put some cream type thing in his hand. I thought 'Oh, he's gonna style my hair', but then he instructed me to close my eyes....not a good sign. So, then the dramatic pause, do I actually close my eyes? I did. He began to rub (not massage) my face and neck with too little cream. It became much like a indian burn and then he did some weird stuff by leaning my head back and putting his chin (scruffy mind you) on my forehead and pressed down. My ears had never been manhandled like that, not even when I was wrestling! I believe it only takes 7lbs of pressure to rip an ear off, I felt mine approaching their threshold! Then the beating of my back and neck. I am sure it was meant to be a massage, but it was more like punishment :) Then he said we were done. I was expecting a smirk from the guy who spoke english-seeing as I got the 'special treatment', but nothing. I asked him if this was normal. 'oh yeah, normal' was his response. Then, as I'm standing there talking to the guy, the barber dude starts up again, beating my back, neck, then continuing down my legs and my oddly enough, my sides. I did somehow escape without bruises. I think I'll keep looking for a barber.

snippets from Marseille

Me enjoying one of the regional favorites: Mussels. I believe every little restaurant had 'em! So I thought I should atleast try it since SO many places were offering. It was good. They were cooked in some sort of garlic and onion stew and having a BUCKET of them helped to fill me up. It was also my first coke in the region for a deal, only 3euro for 4 ounces!




What do you mean take my white socks off? The result of bearing your pasty legs that have not seen the sun in years to the intense sun of Southern France



Can you spot where the band aid was?

Goodbye France, Hello JOR!

I have said my goodbye to Marseille, spent a little time to see a wonderful person in Paris, and now I'm in Jor. adjusting to a new country, newish language, and new friends. I have visited here before, but this will be my first time living here. So right now I am slowing getting to know the city. I have a huge mall within walking distance which is nice (read: starbucks) They have friday/saturday weekends here, so that will take some adjustment as well. I will hopefully have some pics to add later!