Service began with a thorough back, arm and neck massage (I immediately started rolling my shoulders wishing I was the one in the chair). Following the massage he prepped Mike for his haircut. Mind you this has been a responsibility Sierra and I shared in the past as we took turns using the home clippers to trim Mike's hair (I'm now apologizing for what I learned wasn't the best cut). The barber definitely gave us a lesson or two in all the steps we evidently skipped. One of which included ear waxing- ever heard of it? Well following the gooey substance he applied and quickly ripped from Mike's ears, he proceeded to hold a lighter alongside each ear to synge any remaining hairs. Timed it just right, since I didn't see any blistering result.:-)
Next followed the fire show. As a precursor to sanitizing the razor blade for the shave, he dripped rubbing alocohol on the ground and lit it on fire. Of course the girls felt like they were back on Pearl Street watching the street performers. Needless to say, we all cheered him on. Although I could tell Mike was beginning to sweat a bit as a "first-timer". Then...what we all were waiting for...THE open blade. This sure beat a plastic Gillette razor. While the recipient was obviously feeling quite vulnerable, as the barber artfully maneavered around Mike's juggular, it was all worth it as Mike was left with a baby soft clean shave.
It really was masterful to watch as the barber went to great lengths to ensure it was an optimal experience for Mike. He took note of every detail and step along the way. So often thiis is lost in our society as we're quickly rushing to finish one task before moving onto the next. It was evident the barber was fully present and absorbed during each step of the experience to ensure complete and total satisfaction of the customer.
So....we've pitched the home clippers and Mike is hooked. We'll see if the barber puts on as good of a show next time without the audience.....my hunch is... he will.