He was a barber. Not a famous nor a big one. In fact, I knew his place just by accident, since I was accompanying my grandfather buying satay, right across his place. At that time, I decided to try having my hair cut there. It was in 1999, and it cost me only 1500 IDR. Pretty cheap, eh?
Since it is not a big salon, don't expect to have harajuku style, or any other popular style. It is a grass root barber shop. Simple cutting, simple people. You could find pedicab drivers having their hair cut there, you could also find students, or old men. Yet, you will feel the peaceful ambiance there. It was almost similar to the atmosphere in the village.
It has been a long time for me to go there. Usually I have my hair cut by my mother (yeah, it's free) or by my neighbor (cause my mother will pay it. Damn, I'm so stingy in this matter!). And several days ago, I got annoyed with my messy hair. My neighbor's salon was closed, and I didn't want to ask my mother. Thus, I decided to pay "Pak Narimo" a visit.
I came to the place. No one's waiting. I sat directly in the chair, and he smiled at me. Still as friendly as ever. Still wearing tailored pants and white shirt, time seemed to freeze in that chamber. I said nothing about the model. Just need to trim it. It felt so nostalgic.
Suddenly, he asked me, "Where do you study now?" Ah, I thought it was just a friendly question. I answered that I'd graduated and worked as a teacher.
"Ow, time really flies," he said. "Last time you went here, if I'm not mistaken, you were still a student of junior high school!"
DEG! My heart felt like stop beating. He still remembered me, even after this long years. I never thought that I am worthy enough to remember. At a time like this, I felt very happy, because somebody would remember me, for being me.... Just when I thought that I worthed nothing to remember.
My haircut finished. I paid him with 10000 IDR bill, and he gave me change of 6000 IDR. "Thanks!" 4000 IDR! It was too cheap. Last time I went there, more than 4 years ago, it was still 3500 IDR.
However, I know that deep down, he didn't look for a prosperity. He searched for longevity and happiness. With that rate, many people still go there, especially those grass root people. When big businesses are hit by the global crisis, a business like this will still exist, under the consumer loyalty.
And I think, I'll continue visiting him to have my hair cut again. He deserved it, for remembering me after all these years.
