Yesterday I had some time to kill in Nha Trang before my night bus left for Saigon. Steve had wanted to stay at the beach while I decided to go relax at the hostel. After spending some time there I decided to go for a walk along some streets I had yet to explore.
One thing I've wanted since I got to Vietnam is a proper straight shave from a barber. It costs at least $20 at home and I could never justify the expense. The only encounter I've had with a straight blade razor until yesterday was having my sideburns and the back of my hair trimmed by my old barber in Kingston (Generations, for those Queen's students in the audience - Kristos is the best there is in Kingston!).
I saw a barber in Sapa but he wanted $40,000 dong and I was pressed for time. Well yesterday I stumbled upon a barbershop and immediately went inside and motioned that I wanted a shave. One of the staff showed me a $20,000 dong note to let me know how much it would cost. I decided the price was so low it wasn't even worth bargaining. A proper shave at a barber for one dollar!
I was so happy with the shave and the fact that they were honest, I gave the barber a $10,000 dong tip. Normally you don't tip in Vietnam, but given how him and his colleagues didn't try to go through my bag while I was in such a vulnerable position (i.e. with a sharp blade just above my throat), I decided a tip was in good order.
Here is a picture of my barber and I!
Looking very smooth, Yoni. Your barber seems like a nice guy!
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