Barbershop Quartet

I needed to get a haircut, but I was not going by myself.  Way too much uncertainity.  I need to keep all of my hair, even the gray ones!  So, I asked a Vietnamese student to come with me.  Two beauticians met us at the salon (2 + 2 = quartet).  I think they were amused to see an American.  Although international tourists are fairly common in the big cities, most do not stay long enough to get a haircut.  Too bad, so sad.  There are 3 huge bargains in most Asian countries - food, transportation, and haircuts.  I'm not kidding either. 

After some initial discussion (translation and some body language), I was able to "tell" them what I wanted.  The first woman cut my hair.  It was just a regular haircut, nothing out of the ordinary.  While washing my hair, the second woman  asked if I wanted a shave.  Why not?  I get tired of shaving, so why not let someone else do it for me?  Then she asked if I wanted a face massage.  Sure, I have never had one of these before.  It sounded fun (sorry, Karen).  Next, she massaged my head.  Afterwards, I got a neck and shoulder massage.  The woman was tiny, but could inflict some serious pain with all those blows and pressure.  I could care less.  Pain never felt so good.

After about 45 minutes of "treatment," I was so relaxed that I wanted to stay there for a few more hours.  I could hardly move.  I did not want to move.  It was hot outside, but cool inside.  But I paid my bill and left.  By the way, the total packge cost me 60,000 Dong, which is about $3.  I plan to go back every week for just a light trim.