Ever since I was a young child, I remember taking a walk about once a month to get a haircut with my older brother accompanied by my father (someone had to pay for the haircuts). First cross Hayward, then Pontiac, cut through the memorial, then cross Rolfe, pass the Chinese market then there it is: the universal sign for a barber is spinning right in front of you, the barber's pole. The walk was always enjoyable and was just as enjoyable today; and I never needed to wear a jacket since it was so convenient (who would want hair on their jacket either).
City Hall Barber is the name of the place, owned by Ralph himself. The first thing I notice when I walk in, the pleasant aroma of hair products and freshly cut hair. Things haven't changed much since the last time (or any other time for that matter), the magazines were still on the rack, newspapers on the window ledge, the famous photo of Bobby Orr's diving goal, and the picture of Ralph and the one and only Adam Vinatieri.
As I mentioned in previous posts, the barbershop is where great conversations take place. Common topics include sports, politics, business, family matters, and of course the radio set to the police radios. Today I heard a few interesting things while waiting for the three men ahead of me (I think it's against the rules to disclose what I heard).
After years of not having been to the barbershop, Ralph still recognized me. But I don't think he ever learned my name; to him I'm the bright kid that went to UConn that has a intelligent brother and has a father that works that The Island restaurant. Today he added the fact that i moved to Indiana. He remembered the haircut I used to get but the past few years I have been leaving me hair longer. But not surprisingly, the haircut given today was oddly similar go the haircuts of the past. Today he used the hot shaving cream and the old fashioned razor blade to get precise and clean edges; I can't even begin to describe how that feeling is!
I learned a lot at the barbershop: how to carry a conversation, how to leave a tip and not being too awkward about it, business advice, the importance of word of mouth for a business, loyalty, and the importance of relationships in this world.