I realize that things have changed significantly, but the story fits.
Fifty cents for a haircut & shave with a single-edge razor blade held in the hand (as opposed to andy sort of handle) by the barber that came from the village across the river every day to work on the firebase. Guys got in the habit of getting a shave and trim every morning.
So one morning there is a larger than usual line waiting for the morning shave. Hanging around for a while until a motorized mule comes chugging down the company street with the body of the barber laid out across the back. Seems he was caught trying to come through the wire with a couple of satchel charges the night before.
Next day a new barber was in place. But nobody went there for haircuts, let alone a shave. Not even after someone outfitted him with an electric shaver. Nothing like laying back with your neck exposed to the VC who has a razor blade in his hand to get you thinking about the actual high cost of luxury.
Strange that I still avoid Vietnamese barbers but I frequent noodle shops without a single twinge.
stay safe.
