BBC World Service

My father and I travelled a lot when I was younger.  We still do, though the responsibilities of adulthood has lessened that considerably.  When my younger brother and I each turned ten he took us on an "around the world" trip that lasted all summer.  We started on the east coast and quite literally flew around the world at a leisurely pace, stopping at predetermined locations on the way.  My brother spent more time in Asia and the southern hemisphere, while I spent more time in Northern Europe and the northern hemisphere.

Whenever I hear the BBC on the radio or the international broadcast on any television, I am immediately reminded of early mornings in lonely and distant hotels.  My father would turn on the BBC to wake up every morning.  At times the memories and melancholy nostalgia are suffocatingly affecting.  How I long to sit in bed as a wide-eyed youngster listening to the happenings of this great big world before we head off to the hotel restaurant for an early morning breakfast.  I miss Copenhagen as it was, and Cairo and Bali and everywhere else.  But most of all I miss those times with my father. 

He is still around but I am no longer a child.  The everyday obligation of life tend to get in the way of times like those, and it is bitter to be reminded that one can never return to the freedom of childhood.  But I can always tune into the BBC world service, and remember.

Love these classic old bikes

If you're like me, you'd rather not have this unbecoming contraption lying around your washroom

A number of years ago I spent some time trying to find a better alternative.  This is what I came up with.



The made in England, Rooney Double Edge Safety Razor. 

Now I'll be the first to admit that it takes some time getting the hang of this.  The inaugural run is likely to have your neck bleeding from more than one wound.  Nevertheless, over time you learn to slow it down, to really lather up, to take the curves and subtle nuances of your face with precision and patience.  These things are weighted so masterfully, shaving with one imparts upon its user luxury and comfort, entitlement, sophistication.  And it doesn't hurt that your overnight guest overwhelmingly prefers this wordly and refined bit of beauty over the middle-class career trappings of mach 3's and a can of foam.

This is the set I purchased, straight from the U.K.  Paying the taxes to U.S. customs stung, but I think we'd all agree it's worth it.  The double edge with a badger hair brush and stainless steel stand.  Looks dashing next to the basin.

I also purchased the soap tin and a handful of soaps to try out.  You can really go off the deep end with this stuff.  So aromatic, so many choices.  Find the right one and your morning shave will never be the same.



Here's to a good shave!

Focus on the young, they have yet to feel the bitter sting of disappointing reality.

These two are fantastic...






As is this, one of my all time favorites...