Since September 11, 2001, travel to foreign lands has been quite curtailed. The long lines at the airports and the general suspicion in the terminals have taken the luster out of going away.

In bygone days I always enjoyed the experiences in countries that I visited for the first time. The money exchange was a problem that was usually solved after a day or two. The language differences also were eased because we never met the Úquot;real people.Úquot; We only met bellhops, waiters, taxi drivers and others who could make their thoughts known in bad English.

That is when I devised this diabolical plan.

Before traveling I would neglect to get a haircut. I would let my hair grow until it was barely manageable. My plan was to be able to enter a barbershop in the new country and get a haircut.

That way I would meet new people, as male barbershops are relaxed places where everyone is really sociable and friendly. Worst case scenario, the attending barber would have to converse with me.

For the most part this scheme worked out very well and was a lot of fun. In London (haircuts are expensive - $20 plus tip) I had a nice chat with my stylist. In Paris the conversation did not flow easily, but the gentleman and I managed to get through it without much trouble.

In Iceland, this tall, blonde, Nordic beauty attacked my scalp and did a wonderful job of styling. It cost $28 with a tip but she was worth it.

Only once was I ever given a bad, bad cut. It was under the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Maybe it was my tightly curled locks but the end result was ghastly. Our friends, with whom we were traveling, said sympathetically, Úquot;If I ever got a haircut like that, I would take an emergency flight home.Úquot; Fortunately bad haircuts grow out and in a month or two, the bushiness and untamed look was back.

When I am back in Jericho I get my grand tonsorial treatment at Gulma's on Broadway in Hicksville. Maria is the best haircutter and stylist I have ever encountered in all my years and travels. She is also quite pretty and she is learning English.

Due to the current travel situation Lorraine and I have not decided on our next travel destination. Wherever we go, I hope I get a decent haircut.