NWP 38. I can do that for you

22-Sept-24 Falmouth, Massachusetts

Heavy rain all weekend whilst in Newport, Rhode Island. But didn’t dampen spirits when you have magnificent houses to wander around.

On arrival Friday afternoon. Rain had subsided a little. So a little wander into town. Not had a haircut since Vancouver so could do with a trim. Barbers is about half a mile away. Off I trot. In the damp. Warm. Humid conditions. To discover it’s closed for an hour. In a ‘Back Soon at 4pm’ sort of way.

On the way back from visiting Rough Point and Marble House historic houses (see previous blog posts) pop into some local shopping arcade for provisions. Spot a hairdressers in one corner. It now being 1700hrs. Ask young girl receptionist if they do gents haircuts. It being more of a girly salon. Yes. We do. Said she.

I only want a quick trim. Out of habit…do what I always do when abroad wanting a haircut…make a buzzing sound as I waft my hand over my hair. Pretending I have a razor in hand. I do this as normally dealing with folk who don’t speak English. But she does. Obviously. Because she’s American.

Alarm bells should’ve started ringing when the young girl receptionist said. I can do that for you.

Sit down.

Want a Grade 4. Yes we can do Grade 4. What length is your Grade 4. Ask I. I don’t know. Said she. But it’s a Grade 4.

Ask to see the plastic grader. It says Grade 6.

Oh I know. Said she. But if I twist this lever on the razor it reduces it Grade 4.

Hmmm. OK then.

And off she goes. Very gently.

How’s that she says? After five minutes.

Don’t know. Can’t see. Put glasses on.

Hmmmm.

That’s a bit long for a Grade 4. Hardly anything taken off.

Tries again. But not convinced it’s making it that much shorter.

Is that OK? She says.

Hmmmm. Still not short enough. But it’s hot. Humid. Sticky. And can’t be bothered with this rigmarole.

Go to reception desk to pay.

$30!!! Bloody hell.

As she’s sorting out card machine. Feel the back of my neck. Clumps of loose hair cuttings still there. Realise she’s not cleaned off the excess cuttings with brush or blower. Or shaved the nape of neck.

Back in the seat again. For a bit of shaving and cleaning of neck.

Truntering as I depart. $30. Not even a decent haircut.

And then.

Back at hotel.

Look in mirror.

Dear God.

Look like Worzel Gummidge.

Not even graded around the ears. Parts have not been cut at all.

It’s the sort of haircut my 12 year old goddaughter would give me for a laugh.

Were it not for the now heavy rain and late afternoon. There would be a Grumpy Taurean striding back. For a rumpus, dear reader.

Jeez.

Heavy rain continues all day Saturday. So you will understand my joy when it’s dry on Sunday as I head off to my next destination.

Falmouth.

Cape Cod.

Last came here in September 2007. Back then hadn’t booked a hotel and arrived in Hyannis early evening. Deciding Hyannis perhaps wasn’t the best place to stay tracked back to Falmouth. And what a little gem of a discovery it was.

And a nice little hotel called Beachside Village (www.beachsidevillageresort.com). Overlooking Martha’s Vineyard a few miles across the water.

Like Newport. Said to myself I’d come back again. And here I am seventeen years later. Same town. Same hotel. More a holiday apartment. Exactly as I remember it. And a reminder of a cracking weekend.