New haircuts, new snapshots

Oh yeh,

It has almost been a month since I got a new haircut. Usually, I don't really take haircuts that often, but I thought it would be a good opportunity to take some photographs of Vedat, Mikhail, and myself. Vedat has been talking about how he wanted to learn photography and that he may consider buying a camera. So, it's a win-win situation because I can't remember when I took a 'proper' photograph of myself (besides the ones that I took in Izmir), and he got to learn something.

It was just an ordinary Turkish hot day (pretty friggin' hot for a Dutch guy) in Izmir, Turkey. Our destination was the local barber shop, Beyefendi. It was Vedat's local trusted barber, which was pretty nice. They mostly cut men's hair, but they also fix women their hair. The three of us made a reservation at around 18:00 PM, but because it was a busy day, we had to wait half an hour when we arrived. The guys from the barbershop offered us something to drink which is quite normal in the Netherlands as well.

There are a few things different though from Dutch barbers. Like the basin where they wash your hair is right in front of the seat. This means you have to put your head in front of you, while in Holland you get to put your head backward (which is a bit more pleasant). Another thing I noticed was that there were quite some assistants walking around, helping with whatever was needed. Pretty cool!

---

Mikhail

So here's a new face for you Hivers. Mikhail, is a Russian guy who lives in the same residence as Vedat and Burcu. We met him at the gym when Vedat was practicing his Russian. Not long after, he joined the group, and we found ourselves to be three guys going to the gym together and having early morning swims. (gonna skip tomorrow morning for sure now lol (its 4 AM).

Whatever Mikhail is doing, you can tell he does it with great precision. This is something that not only I picked up, but Vedat thought the same way. We often joke about Mikhail being a secret KGB agent lol, and that it is just a cover. Super talented. Mikhail also has a bit more experience in life than us, but it is nice to have him around as he is very patient and eager to teach us a thing or 500. :D

---

Vedat

Vedat is a pretty laid-back guy. Open-minded, a great listener, and is becoming a great friend here in Turkey. He's introducing us to new Turkish delights, and allowing us (while me at least ^^) to experience local Turkish culture. Now that I think of it... I can't imagine how I would've experienced Turkey without all of these people that I've met. But here's the thing, right? You travel, you go, you meet people, and you start doing things together if you click.

---

Ruben

It's a me, Ruben. Don't wanna get all dramatic, but I haven't felt this good and energized in a long time. Turkey is treating me well. I'm slowly getting back into my old shape, and starting to feel to do more things. I almost forgot how good it felt to be fit again. Anyway, the guy who did my hair did an awesome job.

---

Getting some food

While it was getting pretty late, I was super hungry, so we headed out to a pastry shop nearby where we sat down, chatted for quite a bit, and had some good pastries. Upon arrival, I really did not care what to eat, so I just picked something. Mikhail and I both spotted the last pizza pastry, so I proposed we would share it. Of course, we had to throw in some more stuff. But at the end of the day, Vedat treated us for pastries which was pretty nice of him!

In the end, our visit to the barber turned into much more than just haircuts. It was a reminder that the most ordinary moments can become extraordinary when shared with the right company. Our laughter echoed through the barbershop and the pastry shop, leaving behind a nice memory that I now gladly would like to share with you guys on the chain, letting it be a part of my (blogging)legacy on Hive.

---

Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures!

As always, I took these photographs with my Sony A7RII, and a Sigma 105mm f/2.8. Both Vedat and Mikhail took my portraits, which turned out quite alright!

Cheers,
Ruben