The Haircut

So this may lend to what I call the Mayberryesque feel here in St Helena. If you understand the analogy. If not it speaks to the friendliness and welcoming nature of the locals... I will say this is not just here but many of the small towns and villages I have visited around the world.

I walked into one of the two places in town to get my hair cut yesterday. It was a small single chair shop in the market. I asked if I could make an appointment for a quick buzz. The hairdresser had a person in the chair and another woman scheduled in front of me. She asked if I would just like to do it on my own. I told her I didn’t mind waiting but that I would be more than happy to if she did not mind. So she set me up with a cape, clippers, a guard, a chair and I went to town. We had a very nice chat about my travels while as I was attempting to shave away the grey.   In the end I was there for about five or ten minutes. When I finished I asked and she said there was no charge. Although I was instant she would not budge. So I took different approach and asked if I could leave a tip in gratitude. She agreed and was very grateful. Situations like this is where these small places stand out to me. There is a large sense of community. Its an all works itself out in the wash kind of thing. Everybody helps everybody and it just works out in the end.

I am not saying this does not exist back home. For example NYC, DC, Vegas, PHX and LA where I have lived. Perhaps a little more so in the South where I spent my younger years. Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia and Florida. Maybe not so much Florida.   Kidding. Southern hospitality is a real thing. There certainly have been very low moments in my life where friends, family and strangers a like have come out in numbers to help me. Helping others in their hour of need cannot be overlooked. But is not the true test of one’s character how they conduct them selves on the day to day. Do you litter, how do you treat those who serve you, do you have patience for others needs in general…. I would argue simply holding the door for others is a fantastic example of character. Just a small effort that takes five seconds to help some else. Perhaps a smile as they walk by. It's amazing what a smile from a stranger can do for your day and your feeling about the world around you. One does not need to dive into a frozen lake and save a bus full of nuns to impact another’s day in a positive way. I think everyone wants to be a hero secretly. I will admit to those thoughts. The small things count just as much though.

Another great example of community is the friendships I have developed online and abroad in my travels. Always there with input, an attaboy or a positive thought when I need it. The thing is back home between the number of people, their backgrounds, up bringing and values makes folks reluctant to trust their neighbors. Bottom line there are just so many people trying to take advantage of other’s kindness. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the fog through trees. Potential danger is everywhere. Whereas on an island of 3800 people the chances are if you don’t know the person in front of you probably know off them or their family. I think this keeps people on the straight and narrow. Perhaps a less cynical look would be in a community where everyone is taken care of there is no reason for malicious intent. Everyone is simply being neighborly.

Not sure what the solution is on all that. Unfortunately there will always be bad people with ill intent. We just have to do our best understanding that and try not to be so cynical?

And I will put the soapbox away now.