When I travel, my routine involves visiting public pools in different cities. Whether it’s Reykjavík, Sydney, Phoenix, or Palm Springs, I find it a fascinating way to observe everyday life. Last summer in Tokyo, I vividly remember entering a sports complex in Shimokitazawa, joining the queue of seniors, and enthusiastically securing a day pass for a swim.
After my swim, I followed the signs to rinse off before heading to the hot tub. A friendly elderly Japanese lady with a halo of white hair complimented my swimming skills in English. We struck up a conversation and watched the lively 8 a.m. aqua aerobics class together, creating a memorable moment during my time in Japan.
This experience resonated with me recently during a haircut session with my longtime hairdresser, Noel Shabazian, in Berkeley, Calif. Noel shared his upcoming trip to Little Rock, Ark., to visit his girlfriend’s parents and mentioned his tradition of visiting local barbershops when traveling.
He expressed his fondness for observing the local barbers at work, immersing himself in the lives of strangers and soaking in the community gossip and daily routines. As he explained his ritual, I realized that our shared love for these local interactions while traveling provided us with unique perspectives on the world.
Looking at our reflections in the mirror during the haircut, we exchanged knowing smiles, acknowledging the beauty of exploring new destinations through these simple yet profound encounters.
