16 Oct 2007

Trimming The Budget

Norway is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The UN says so, the IMF says so and the list goes on.

So, I've been wondering how come everything in Norway seems small and cute, and not large and expensive, like in North America? I mean, they should be able to afford BIG, right?

Instead, Norwegians drive cute little cars, live in cute little houses, and eat all their meals at home. They don't wear flashy clothing. Jeans and sweaters are de rigeur. For fun, they go for walks in the mountains, the forests, and along the coast. In the wintertime, they cross-country ski.

A wholesome and idyllic existence, for sure, but also pretty frugal. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but what about all that cash that they are supposed to have? Where does it all go?

I think I may have solved the mystery.

A large chunk of their annual budgets is spent on changing this:


Into this:




You are looking at pictorial evidence of my boys' $50.00 hair cuts. Yep, that would be $50.00 per boy! In case you are wondering why Christopher doesn't look any different, that's because he wants long hair and talked us and the hairdresser into only getting a trim. A $50.00 trim.

So yes, I will be returning to Canada in May with very long hair. Because $50.00 is a kids' only rate, and does not even get me access to the chair...

24 comments:

MyThreeBlogs said...

But they look really good - and isn't that what it's all about?!?

Karen said...

Holy cow! That is crazy for a kid's cut. I'm feeling pretty good that my hairdresser does my kids for free.

Heidi said...

Wow! While your boys are extremely handsome, $50 is a bit extreme. My hairdresser charges by the childs age. My son would cost $4.

S said...

Funny -- I just took Jack to get his hair cut. It was ten dollars. The haircut is NOT good, but I don't really care, LOL!

Your boys are handsome!

Kellan said...

There ya go - but they do look very sharp!

Victoria said...

Oof. I had to giggle about the long-ish hair...my son LOVES his long-ish hair and is VERY attached to it. =)

Gosh, you so make me want to visit there. Stop it! LOL!

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

Am still reeling ...

$50?! For children's trims?

(They sure look cute though!)

Beck said...

My son gets his hair cut for $7 and that includes a tip and a lollipop.
Of course, he looks like he gets his hair cut by beavers, but it's CHEAP.

ewe are here said...

I have found most things to be wildly expensive in Norway.... services, eating out, groceries, alcohol, gas....

But the standard of living is still high. Strange...

Lisa said...

No Way! I don't even know what to say to that. Norwegian hairdressers must be livin' large!!My husband has two cousins that are Swedish (their mom is a native Swede) and they often talk about a similiar quality of life. I am going to ask them about haircuts there!!

On a side note, I just wanted to thank you for being a regular commenter on my blog. I always enjoy reading your comments and I love reading your blog. It is an exciting way for me to get a glimpse of the world! And it re-enforces what I love about blogging, you meet people you never would have, AND no matter where we live or what country we are from, all mothers love their kids, want the best for their families and have the same struggles.

Shan said...

Oh my! I just can't believe that. I have to say I'm very thankful that my sitter is also a hairdresser who charges me nothing.

Jennifer (ponderosa) said...

Hi -- I responded to your question on my blog. (I'm an American but I lived in E. Europe for 2 yrs after college.) This is a *fascinating* tale, I am going now to read through your archives. I can't imagine trying such an adventure with kids -- I can barely go to the grocery store with them : )

Stepping Over the Junk said...

I cant get my hair cut for cheaper than $75 for some reason...unless I go to Walmart. Which I refuse to do.

Family Adventure said...

Thanks guys. You are too kind.

I'm not entirely sure how much I'll have to pay, but I'll be sure to let you know, once I've recovered from what will undoubtedly be a shock!

- Heidi

MadMad said...

Whoa! $50! Though I have to say, for the $10 I typically spend on my son's hair, he has yet to get a good haircut... so maybe it would be worth $50 not to end up with crooked bangs and a cowlick in back that now stands straight up instead of off to the side...

Jennifer (Jen on the Edge) said...

Is that because of the exchange rate or does the Norwegian Hairstylists Union have really great terms of employment and pay?

Stomper Girl said...

Fifty dollars is huge!! Hairdressing must be a lucrative career in Norway. Shudder to think what an adult do would cost.... I pay $12 Australian and get a free lollypop at the end.

TheOneTrueSue said...

They look cute! But - OUCH!

Family Adventure said...

Norwegian wages are higher than most places, so that is undoubtedly a large part of the reason everything's so expensive.

I was thinking afterwards - it wouldn't have been so bad if we'd at least gotten a lolly for them. But alas, no lolly to be found. :(

Heidi

Erin said...

WOW that's nuts. I refuse to pay more than 11.95 or so for my kids! THey both have hair that grows REAL fast too.

Gina said...

Ouch! Fifty bucks! I complain at sixteen!

carrie said...

That's why I have to cut my boy's hair myself!

But wait, I dont' live in Norway. Oh, what was my excuse again?

They are handsome boys!

Rima said...

That is crazy expensive, but they look extremely dapper!

Hae Yung said...

I know it's expensive and I would have great difficulty in paying that much for a kids haircut but I really liked the haircuts. The kids looked great. I can't wait to find out how much you have to pay for your haircut and try something new, surprise us. Can't wait.