*** Photography by the gorgeous lady at Megan Jean Photography (@MeganJean_Photo)***

  I was looking a little rough, and Megan made sure to remind me.  I had been growing my hair out since getting back from deployment two months earlier and now, on our honeymoon, it needed to get trimmed.  With photos coming up the next day, I really needed to look my best.  We were staying in an Airbnb owned by a super nice couple in Old San Juan.  My Spanish was a bit rough, but I had enough down to ask the husband, Roberto, about a barber shop nearby.  He had one solid recommendation in the form of JJ Barber Shop just a few blocks away.

  It was a typically warm fall morning in Puerto Rico, so after a breakfast of fresh mango, avocado, and coffee, Megan and I got dressed and made our way to the barber, hoping that they were open.  We had tried calling but didn't get through, but their Instagram (@jjbarbershopoldsanjuan) said that they were open, so I was hopeful.  Roberto had told me that they take cash only, so I grabbed a couple of twenties on my way out the door.  Less than ten minutes later into our very casual stroll, we were there.  We entered a small but well-lit establishment with clean floors and sharp-looking barbers.  If these guys could clean me up like that shop, then I'd be just fine.

  We sat down for maybe 5 minutes before I was called up.  Megan immediately went into doting wife mode and explained her grand vision for my hair.  Not too short, get it sharp, and clean up that darn beard!  Then he went to work.

  The barber didn't toss around my head or chop too rough around the back of my neck.  We talked about how the slow season in San Juan goes (it was October... well after the summer rush) as well as a place to get some fresh ink.  I saw a sticker from a tattoo shop on the wall and asked about how they were.  He was quick to give high reviews and emphatically stated that Senzalla Tattoo not only did all of his work but was also just a couple blocks down the street.

  After about 25 minutes of dedicated attention to my looks, I came out of the shop looking sharp as hell.  Pretty sure Megan's legs were a bit more slippery too.  As we wandered out into the sunshine and tropical air, we wondered where to go next, but only for a moment.  Next, we were off to the tattoo shop to mark the occasion.

JJ Barbershop is open Tuesday thru Saturday, 9:30 am - 6 pm, and located at 300 San Francisco St, Old San Juan, PR.  They didn't ask me to write this story; I'm just a fan of their work and telling y'all what we're up to.  I did make sure to share this blog with them, though, so if you found me from there (yay!), make sure to check out some of my other posts from Puerto Rico and beyond!