Claudio’s Barbershop

I am actually amazed that no one has reviewed this business — Claudio the Barber has been quite famous since long before I finally got over here.
I got in his chair, the real barber chair that swings back so you put your feet up on the rest as he lathers and shaves you, and promptly fell out asleep. To call what I awoke to a «shave» would be a disservice — it was more like having my head detailed as if it were a ’59 Cadillac. Claudio’s sense of minutely focused craftsmanship is something every man should experience. Judging by the glances and smiles I’ve received on the subway since, I came out looking better than I’ve looked in a long time. And then he charged me a grand total of $ 15 for the haircut AND shave. I really felt like I had robbed him.
As if what I’ve described weren’t enough, there’s another reason that I was very glad to give Claudio my money. I walked into his barbershop dressed like a semiprofessional person — which is what I am, let’s face it — and he treated me with the respect that one professional accords another.
The next customer came in after what was clearly one of a string of rough days that stretched and would stretch into eternity in both directions — his Laborer’s Union jacket and his workboots were caked in dust and crud. He was already drunk off his culo from the contents of whatever type of massive can he had in a paper bag in his hand. He fell out asleep, just as I did, as soon as he hit Claudio’s chair. Claudio treated this man with the same professional respect and care that he treated me.