As you can see in the picture, it's sunny, things are starting to bloom and the students are spending time outside. Spring must be in the air. But so is a terrible stench as well...Lycée Charles Tellier sits right next to the local dump. I noticed the signs when I first arrived and I've noticed the trucks coming and going daily, but I never gave the dump much consideration because I couldn't smell it. That has now changed. I don't know if it's because the weather is warming up, people have changed their trash habits, or it's just a temporary fluke, but it smells like Fresno today (no offense to the fine people of Fresno).
Anyway, last week I went to Paris to get my hair braided. Yes, I rode the train 2 hours just to get my hair done. For those of you who know me well, this can't be entirely shocking seeing as I've been known to drive from San Diego to Los Angeles for a specific beautician. Some people in Normandy, however, found this a bit bizarre. But since they didn't really know anyone here who could help, of to Paris I went.
On my way home for the holidays in December, I met a young lady in the Paris airport. She's from Memphis and is a junior at an all women's college on the east coast, but is studying abroad in Paris this academic year. As I was contemplating what do about my hair, I figured I should ask her because when I met her in the airport, her hair looked pretty freshly done. And as luck would have it, she told me exactly where to go.
As I've mentioned in previous posts, I was always sure that there had to be Black shops somewhere in Paris because there is a substantial African and Carribean population in Paris and I've seen a lot of weaves and braids there. Turns out, there is a Metro stop called Château d'Eau where you can find not only salons but many beauty supplies with all of the Black hair care products I've been missing from home.
Getting of the Metro at Château d'Eau is an experience. There are men standing in the station and on the streets trying to get business for their respective shops. And they are agressive. "Madame, Madame!" They'll call to you, they'll try to give you their flyers and business cards, they might grab your arm. They even speak in English. It can be a bit intimidating if you don't know exactly where you're going. Fortunately, Madeleine met me at the Metro and took me directly to the shop where she gets her hair done so there were no problems. She spent the day with me and then we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant near her host family's home. So you want to see how my hair came out, right?
Madame Georgette hooked me up. And she gave me a business card that looks like a frequent visiter card. I'm almost certain I won't get a chance to fill it up, but she was nice and I would definitely go back to her. It was just like being in a shop back home. Music, lots of talking, random men coming in to sell bootleg products...There are some students visiting from England this week. We're taking a day trip to Paris tomorrow. I'll be sure to tell you all about it as soon as possible.
Bises,
Mlle. Alicia
