Hairdresser

One of my favourite activities in China is hair-washing to which the term of core competence can not be applied. The process starts with tea serving, shampooing, (me sitting), head massage, ear shampooing, change seat for hair washing, come back and lay down for head massage again, neck massage, back massage, arm massage, ear cleaning, and finally change to another seat for blow drying. It takes usually 1.5 hours and less than € 1. Manicure can also be provided upon request and additional cost.

My favourite hair-washer is not far from my parents’ house. Round faced, coloured hair, with a trendy haircut that didn't quite fit his face.

“So where are you from?” he asked.
“Where do you think I am from?” I smiled.
“Not from Shanghai” He smiled back.
“Why?”
“You would not have talked to me. You must be in commerce or trading”
“Thanks. Where are you from?”
“Somewhere in Hunan.”
“How long have you been in Shanghai?”
“About a year”
“Do you like it?”
“It is Okay”
“You look quite young.”
“19”
“Very young. Why do you not go to the school instead?”
“I didn't like the school. Our teachers were not good. Good teachers didn't stay long in the village. They want to go to the big cities. Also it was very expensive. My parents have 4 children.”
“I see. Do you regret now?”
“Yes I do especially now I am in Shanghai and I can see those young fellows who can speak English and work with foreigners. I didn't know all this when I was in my village. We were just farmers.”
“You can still go back to the school. You are really very young.”
“Too late now. I want to make some money and open a hairdresser shop. I want to make some money so that my son can go to the school.”
“What if he doesn't like the teacher and prefer to work as a hair-washer.”
“I will not allow him not to do so. But I dont have a girlfriend yet. It costs money to have a girl friend. Are you married?”
“No. Why?”
“Maybe I can take you out for a tea.”
“I am leaving tomorrow.” I laughed. Pearl Buck’s “the Good Earth” came to my mind.