Hairstylings

Ross and I are creatures of habit and like most people we tend to sit in the same row every Sunday (unless we happen to be on the welcome rota).

Recently a very cute and very well behaved toddler (and her parents, who are apparently also creatures of habit) has taken to sitting in the row directly in front of us in church. She sits quietly with her parents throughout the service and occasionally flashes a sweet smile at the people nearby.

Last Sunday our toddler friend staged the scene for our most recent cultural miscommunication. As she was taking her seat Ross turned to me and pointed out that the 'quiet tiny one' was back and that she had 'bunches'. I was immediately surprised because, while I had no idea what 'bunches' were, it sounded to me like some horrible disease (think- measles or chicken pox). However, the little girl looked perfectly healthy, so I asked Ross to explain.

His very helpful explanation was, 'She has bunches in her hair.'

'In her hair?...You mean pigtails?'

'No, bunches. Little girls wear bunches and plaits.' (Translation: pigtails and braids.)

Bunches and plaits- two more words to add into my growing Scottish vocabulary.