So, an American walks into an Indian barber shop in Africa.

[cfoster2003]

So it seems like the start of a good joke, an American walks into an Indian barber shop in Africa....but seriously

Ive been living here since September and the first thing on my list was to find a barber. In our town (Eldoret) there is a large Indian population. They have lived here for a long time. I found this barber who has had a shop here for 26 years. Needless to say, I felt like a minority. One thing in common is that it is a barber shop, just like mine back home on Walnut street in Springfield, MO. A lot of men congregate there and although I cant understand them, I know they are most likely talking about what we do. Sports, jokes etc...thats one thing I love about barber shops. Even cross culturally its VERY relevant.

So Ive been going to this barber now since Sept. For less than 10 dollars (800 shillings) I get a hair cut, a straight razor shave and a head massage. NOT BAD. Of course I tip him as well, just like back home.

Now, I use and love my DE razor...but this barber has realized my fascination with straight razor shaving and is going to hook me up with one like his, it takes disposable blades. I should pick it up on Wednesday. Im very excited about this, and I hope he gives me some lessons, he is very good with the blade.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this...I just wanted to share my cross cultural barber experience with you all! Oh by the way, I did leave smelling like talc and aftershave, just like back home. -caleb

 

[Cynomys]

I enjoyed reading your story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[gunterbr]

Awesome story Its nice to hear that you can find a good barber almost anywhere you go.

 

[Mick]

Nice to read about an experience like yours.

Enjoy your shavette when your barber gets it for you

 

[Elder Scrolls]

Thanks for sharing , always nice to read what's going on with members all over the world.

 

[WoodNUFC]

Great story! Finding a good barber goes a long way towards feeling settled in a new location.

 

[wasee]

Cool story, how generous of the barber as well

 

[Graybeard57]

One thing in common is that it is a barber shop, just like mine back home on Walnut street in Springfield, MO. A lot of men congregate there and although I cant understand them, I know they are most likely talking about what we do. Sports, jokes etc...thats one thing I love about barber shops. Even cross culturally its VERY relevant.


Now, I use and love my DE razor...but this barber has realized my fascination with straight razor shaving and is going to hook me up with one like his, it takes disposable blades. I should pick it up on Wednesday. Im very excited about this, and I hope he gives me some lessons, he is very good with the blade.
Oh by the way, I did leave smelling like talc and aftershave, just like back home. -caleb

Thanks for sharing that. "Talc and aftershave," what every barbershop smells like. I enjoyed reading your story.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Nice story, glad that it worked out so well for you. Thanks for sharing.

 

[celestino]

Good luck with the new razor, Caleb!

 

[clk]

Great story. It's funny, I pay twice as much and don't get a shave. Such is life.

 

[Hunter]

Awesome story, glad to hear you can have a small taste of home comfort miles away from home.

 

[TGilly]

Sounds like an amazing experience, a haircut and shave for $10! thats unheard of in the States. Enjoy your shaves, post a picture of the razor when you get it, if possible.

 

[Silence!]

Wow, this is a wonderful story. I've always wanted a straight razor shave, maybe I'll have to go get one from my nearest barber.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Caleb:

...story and thanx for sharing!

"Now you know the rest of the story". Paul Harvey

 

[dynagroove]

Caleb, awesome story! Even cooler that you are now in the inner circle with your barber. Enjoy your new shavette, you already know how close it can shave .

 

[HUF]

Thank you for shaving!

 

[cfoster2003]

Thanks guys! I will definitely post some pics of the razor when I get it. I was worried when I left Missouri that I wouldnt find a barber, but Im sure glad I did.

 

[dieselfuel79]

Awesome story.

 

[hedonist222]

You should be paying no more than $5 for all that.