I never thought I’d get a pedicure, until old age and overweight made it difficult to cut my own toenails without risking injury. Not to mention my really rough heels that were destroying scores of pairs of socks.
So, at the urging of Mrs. Charm, I visited the Passion Nail Spa on Far West Boulevard, near the Rancho. I was one of the few males, but no matter. It was very relaxing, warm water, hot towels, foot and ankle massage and all.
I was surprised to discover the management and pedicurists were all recent Vietnamese immigrants. Apparently recent as none of them spoke much English. Turns out they are part of a trend these days in Vietnamese-owned nail salons. For instance, in South Florida:
“The nail industry will help stabilize the lives of so many Vietnamese from Vietnam to America,” Truong said. “But with the second generation — for example, my children and my staff’s children — they are not going to choose a career in a nail salon, because they will have a diploma and will be good in English, so they can find another good job.”
The Austin pedicurists smiled politely at my use of what Vietnamese language I could remember after 45 years—mostly hello and thank you—but they would, wouldn’t they, even if I was unintelligible. I got the $26 classic but next time (oh, yes, there will be a next time) I might get the $40 deluxe.
Now with toenails all nice and short and rough heels smooth, I’m more than satisfied. You will be, too, if you try it. And you should. Really.
UPDATE: Or, perhaps, predate would be more accurate. Miriam was way ahead of me, way up there in Delaware back in 2011.
THE TEXAS SCRIBBLER 
My wife made me start with the pedicures when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I cut my toenails, with difficulty, way too short sometimes, because of lack of flexibility and an oversized set of abs (sometimes referred to as a gut).
I rationalize so: I spent a year wearing jungle boots day and night, and it ruined my feet. Least I deserve is having some Vietnamese women fix them up again.
I’m glad to hear I’m not alone in this.
“an oversized set of abs”
That, there, is diplomacy on an order even Lurch could learn from.
“Least I deserve is having some Vietnamese women fix them up again.”
There are Vietnamese nail salons in Brazoria County, too? Not surprising. Anywhere it’s relatively warm, I suppose. Doubt you’d find any in Michigan.
Hm… I shall ask SWMBO about that. She never mentioned that option for me… As for Vietnamese – we have some, but mostly Chinese that left after the war.