Lumber Day Weekend
04/09/2007
Well, things are finally moving along in the Land of Opportunity, and I went for my first haircut. Albeit with some apprehension.
I’ve been kicking myself for not timing it well enough – I got one just before our trip to Japan, so by the time we left for the States my hair wasn’t really acting up yet. But 3 months of neglect finally took their toll and I was really desperate for one.
I went with KF’s aunt – we headed to a small store around Chinatown. Two middle aged Ah Lian aunties sat by the grim-looking, run-down, 1970s looking salon. KF’s aunt asked for the boss. They said boss was in the loo. I sat around waiting for my turn to get my hair washed, and the boss to appear.
The boss appeared 5 minutes later, a middle-aged bald Ah Beng uncle with the gold chain, pudgey figure, a busboy cap covering his (not very flattering) bald head and white pants.
I waited for the next most polite opportunity to exit and beat a hasty retreat with a lame excuse.
Another place I found (down 5 blocks from the store) on Yelp cost US$75 a cut, and no one had time to slot me in for an appointment. Bummer.
Finally, KF’s cousin sent me to another store nearby, and this time it was a 1980s type salon with a younger, fresher looking Ah Lian Auntie who spoke English and did the cutting and all. Neat. 10 minutes and a $10 trim later, my hair is back to manageable and fuss free.
While I was happy to get a decent hair cut, I was dinner-time-conversation fodder for the weekend.
At least they’re not talking about my accent this weekend!
