Hair cutting in paradise! An Ida “do” for me in Black Point Exumas.

It’s funny how fixated you become when you NEED something.   Well, I decided a month ago that I really NEEDED a haircut.  However, I decided early on that I wasn’t going to have my hair cut just anywhere.   I was waiting to connect with Ida.

Ida?  Who’s that?  Well, I am talking about Ida, Ida of Black Point.  She’d do it. Yes, I know that I am sounding like someone who’s trying to get a date in one of those “fancy-schmancy” (is schmancy a word?) sort of Hollywood Blvd shops where you pay $1,000 for a haircut.  Perhaps with one of those hairstylists that did Bill Clinton’s hair aboard Airforce One.

NO, NO, NO, that’s not it at all.  I am talking about getting my hair done by Ida. THAT’s Blackpoint Ida, the one that everyone who’s anyone goes to in the Exumas.  You know the one, right?  Ida!!!

But Ida is so much more.  She also has the BEST laundromat in the Bahamas, at least according to many who cruise these parts.  And believe me there are some pretty nasty places to “clean” your clothes in the Bahamas.  Ida’s spot is good even when compared to the best.

So, what exactly does Ida do here on Black Point.  Yes, she cuts hair at her shop, which is on a rise overlooking the water.  But Ida is so much more.

Ida is many things to many people.  Let me count the ways.   Yes, Ida cuts hair but she also has a very clean laundromat, serves baked goods and fried conch fritters.  She also has cold drinks as well as key necessities such as outboard engine spark plugs and motor oil.  She even has, and don’t miss this one, PVC plastic pipe fittings.  Go figure.  Ida has EVERYTHING!

Anyway, back to the hair-cutting.  For $10, $15 for women, Ida will cut your hair while you gaze out at the most amazing view you will ever have from a chair while having your hair “done”.  And, the hair cuttings just blow away.  How cool is that?

Me, I had my “experience” yesterday and feel so much better for it.  I have to say that I was beginning to feel like I had a family of small mammals camped on my head, and they were restless.  My hair was WAY overdue.

And, it gets better.  While you get your hair “done” there are even sharks cruising back and forth right out in front of you.  And, I mean the real kind, not the Upper-East-Side sort of sharks you might fear in one of those “tony” salons in NYC.  You know, the women who inhabit the high priced salons that cruise back and forth just waiting to take a bite out of you if your “do” isn’t done just right. No, I mean REAL sharks.

Although perhaps not as scary as the NYC types, they can bite just the same.   This shot of a ray, while not a shark per-se, will give you an idea of what I am talking about.  This baby was over 4′ wide.  An impressive fish.  While Ida was cutting my hair yesterday my laundry was getting done too.  However, I was only doing the “Brenda approved” portion as I was banned years ago from doing the “important” items due to my tendency to dump whites and darks into the same washer.  Yes, yes, I know it’s just not done but I can’t help myself.  It’s just so EASY…

Well, today we are back again for two more loads and Brenda’s in charge this time.   The one I did yesterday was only the sheets and towels, a mix that Brenda felt was “Bob proof”.  The more delicate items and my “better” clothing needs female oversight, according to Brenda.  Oh well, there are worse things for me to be banned from.  Banned from laundry?  YES!!! Works for me.

So, what about the haircut?   Just to prove just what an amazing experience having your hair cut by Ida really is, here’s a shot of a nice lady getting the “Ida treatment” this morning. Here’s what you see if you’re the one getting the cut.

Yes, indeed, it’s a nice spot and as if that’s not enough, you can even use Ida’s free WIFI and that’s a “HOT ITEM” believe me, in the Bahamas.  Wherever there’s free WIFI there are cruisers.  And, when you add great haircuts, conch fritters, laundry, sparkplugs, PVC pipe fittings… Well, you get the picture.

Thanks Ida.

Oops, the laundry needs folding.  I’d better sign off.  Besides, it’s nearly 1:00 and time for lunch.  Conch fritters anyone?  Hmm….