Gallery: China 2004-04 Series
Street Barbers, Nanjing Lu, Shanghai
The main shopping street in Shanghai is known as Najing Lu. During the colonial period, it was as famous as the Ginza area of Tokyo for its array of department stores and famous brands. It suffered a bit during the communist era, but is making quite a come-back in the New China.
One thing that hasn't left is the street barbers. For a dollar or two, you can get your hair cut on the spot. And if you're lucky, a passerby who knows something might comment on how your hair cut is going along (or not).
This is my favorite among the series because of the slippers the old woman is wearing and the Playboy mark on the store behind them (it's a store for men's clothes).
Umbrella Repairmen, Nanjing Lu
If you don't need a haircut, then perhaps you need your umbrella repaired. Even though an umbrella is only about ¥5-10 (US$0.75-1.25), getting it repaired is only ¥1-3 ($0.12-0.30). Why throw out your old umbrella when you can just get it fixed? This is one thing I like about the New China -- nothing is wasted. You won't see old soda bottles or cans on the streets, why? Because they're all taken in for scrap plastic / metal.
Asking for permission before taking a photo can lead to some VERY HAPPY subjects.
p.s. you can see the old lady getting her hair cut in the background.