Cutting remarks

Went for a haircut this morning. But, not only having a few words of Turkish made the experience an interesting one. First I was invited to a cup of sweet Turkish tea. Then, having cut my hair and trimmed my beard, the barber proceeded to daub a face mask on foreheadand cheeks. In broken English the hairdresser told me to wait 5 minutes before he'd wash it off.

Got washed. After drying face and hair the next step was to oil my face with two kinds of fragrant oils followed by a head and face massage. Then the hair master told me to cross my arms and lean forward on a towel which he'd placed in front of me. This felt rather like being back in class in infant school. But when the man next to you has an old - fashioned razor blade at his disposal it feels safer to do as you're told.

Somewhat to my surprise he massaged my neck, shoulders and back. At that time the barber decided he'd done a good job. And, I must say, I agree with him. My skin feels better and the haircut was as I had hoped, my beard somewhat shorter! Needless to say the the price for the total makeover was more than I'd expected to pay, but only a little more than what I usually pay for a haircut in Stockholm.

Sometimes it pays not to be able to communicate in a common language.

"Majk"