Mohammed's Hair Saloon

...and no, it's not a typo. The sign outside says "Men's Hair Saloon."

Brent had his hair cut yesterday. His wonderful wife has thus far stepped up for haircutting duty, but Brent had heard some good things about the "saloon" experience and figured he'd check the whole phenomenon out. And when he walked by the shop and there was no one in line, he figured the time was right.

The proprietor, Mohammed, is an Egyptian ex-pat with a penchant for cigarettes, lots of cologne, and old Arabic movies. He managed to smoke four--yes, four--cigarettes over the course of Brent's 20-minute haircut. It was quite the experience: Mohammed speaks almost no English, but has picked up a few words to help him communicate with his Western clients, "Good, yes?" "Short?" "Big?" "Tea?" "No problem, my friend, no problem." Needless to say there wasn't much conversation, but who needs it with an Arabic version of "Dr. No" playing on the TV... not a dubbed version, either, but a full-on James Bond flick with cheesy music, temptresses, and a suave, distinctly-darker James Bond sporting a tuxedo in blazing desert heat. Of course, the seductive women were tastefully dressed in non-revealing abeyas...

The verdict? Well, Brent declined the offered cigarette, but enjoyed the sweet Middle-Eastern tea Mohammed served and the artistry of a good old-fashioned barber-cut, with neck-hair trim and stinging aftershave to boot.

Good times, as they say. Good times.

B&R