Saturday, October 07

We headed to the mall today to pick up the outfit that Pat had picked out last night. On the way down the street from the school, I stopped at a barber shop to get my “shaggy” hair cut. The barber was one that the assistant maintenance supervisor has recommended because he speaks some English. It was an interesting experience. The barber (Sala) does speak some English and we were able to communicate fairly well. I certainly got more than I expected. In the states, a haircut for me is usually a 5 minute job at Great Clips or Cost Cutters – just electric clippers all the way around. It is a little different here. My cut took nearly an hour. He used scissors and a straight edge razor. In addition, he shampooed my hair and gave me a back massage as well! I turned down the offer for tea as he wouldn’t be able to join me because of Ramadan. All in all, the conversation was good and when he finished, he seemed pleased with what he had done. There is no set price – I asked what I owed and he said whatever I felt. As I paid him, he smiled and asked if I would tell my friends about him if I was pleased. As I left the shop we shook hands and I promised I would tell others.