After seeing the Taj Mahal and surroundings in Agra, I took a late train to Jaipur, the Pink City and capital of Rajasthan. I encountered this a short walk from my hostel.



I was nervous but couldn't pass up the opportunity to have my face shaved by someone else, a first for me, in India and streetside no less.

I would not regret it. The whole process took several steps which are now blurred in memory but involved being sprayed down, vigorously towel scrubbed, lathered, razored, oiled, massaged and lotioned. I closed my eyes, stealing peeks at the mirror every now and then but mostly concentrating on the Indian sun and Indian hands on my face and scent upon new scent wafting up my nose.

Baby smooth, mentholated, and chewing on a bit of paan, I felt supremely ready to explore the Pink City.