My New Haircut

No, I'm not referring to the viral youtube video; I actually got a haircut. I figured since I was going to be away from home for four months it would be the perfect opportunity for me to try out some random hairstyles without catching flak from my father (other than traffic/wreckless drivers this seems to be the only thing that can anger him).

While mullets and rat tails seem to reign supreme here in the BCN, I didn't think I was ready for such drastic a change on my first attempt. Instead, I opted for the more subtle "fauxhawk" (longer on top and in the back, with clippered/buzzed sides --essentially a poor man's mohawk), which I figured would be enough to help me blend in among the locals.

Though I had initially planned on doing some research into barbershops (potentially seeking out ones that had English-speaking barbers and specialized in more unorthodox hairstyles), after seeing a picture of what my hair looked like last week, I realized that action needed to be taken immediately. I didn't have time to be overly picky in deciding where I would go, so I felt my best bet was to try out a place down the street where the girls who live below us went to get their hair colored.

Knowing that the barbers/stylists didn't speak English, I tried my best to prepare a phrases that could be used to describe the style I was going for. Thankfully, I didn't have to say much, as my the second question I asked (after asking the cost, of course) put me in the clear:

¿Tienes fotos o revistas de estilos differentes? (Do you have photos or magazines of different styles)

After she sat me down and showed me a binder full of pictures, I was able to narrow down my selection to exactly what I wanted with a simple "¿Es posible cortar comó este?" (is it possible to [have my hair] cut like this?). To which I thankfully received an affirmative "Sí."

While there wasn't too much speaking on my part after this, the sheer anticipation of having to answer questions or request modifications forced me to think ahead a great deal, which made this the most prolonged period in which I spoke/thought solely in Castillano ("Spanish", as we know it) since arriving here nearly 6 weeks ago. Assuming I'm able to put myself in more situations of this kind, I think it won't be long (God willing) before I'll be making strides toward becoming conversant. It's a shame it took me this long, though.

(It's a bit short, so it's not too noticeable yet)