There is a corner or section, should I say behind the grand mosque which is quite lively, that it actually reminds me of Covent Garden in London. This corner is the barbershop corner. It’s not really a corner but an open, lively area where there are many barbers. My umrah guide advised that instead of cutting hair here we can go back to the hotel and the barbershop right beside it which was open 24 hours for pilgrims. This made a lot more sense and would definitely be a lot more comfortable.
On the drive back in a bus (very comfortable by the way) I did hear my continuous glucose monitor start beeping to warn me that my sugar levels had gone low. The guide asked me what that was and I quickly explained that I’m a type 1 diabetic and I also briefly showed the sensor on my left arm before having two dextrose tablets which for me is all I need.
There was one brother that was already getting his hair cut so there wasn’t too long a wait. I explained to my guide that I just wanted a number 1 everywhere which is actually what I get at home whenever I cut my hair. I didn’t end up looking any differently than I do at home after my normal haircut. I took my top ihram towel/piece off and sat down in the chair. It only took 5 minutes max.
By mutual agreement as I didn’t have the total cash with me in my room to reimburse my guide, we needed to go to an ATM to withdraw the money. Before doing this however my guide said he would be happy to wait in the hotel lobby if I wanted to shower and get changed and I can meet him back down when I was ready.
It was very refreshing to have some water, a short sit down, use the restroom and have a hot shower. I got changed into a pair of jeans and a long sleeve T-Shirt. Although it was now really early hours of the morning, it was still mildly warm so this clothing was more than suitable. But on occasion walking at night in Makkah you do see people wearing jackets. My usual thought was “Really?!” But hey whatever suits but for a typical Brit, I would imagine it’s still relatively warm and you can get by with a top. Maybe not a t-shirt but a shirt or thin sweater.
It took about 20 minutes and I met my guide downstairs who was sitting on a sofa on his phone. Once he looked up he initially smiled and responded that the change was so different. I looked night and day apparently. Not sure if that was a good thing or bad thing but hey I was feeling very comfortable.
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