It's Peru, Baby.

I have had, for quite some time, a real fear of hairdressers. This means I invariably allow my hair to become depressingly shapeless and ratty before I summon the courage to visit a hairdresser. I had been wearing my hair in a fat bun on top of my head for several months this time, which Tito hates, so I knew it was becoming urgent. (It's alright for him, he gets his hair cut in the street market for 2 soles - about 25p). I had no idea where to go for a good cut, though, and could hardly bear to think about it. Everything about the haircutting experience puts me off - the way that hairdressing places always have pictures of scarey anorexics with totally impractical haircuts plastered all over the walls, the smell of chemicals, the patronising way that the 'stylists' look at you, the horrible hairdos that they sport, the hefty price involved. And of course, when living abroad, you have the added challenge of trying to, for example, explain the importance of not using feathering shears within a 10 metre radius of your hair to an anxious trainee, in a language which is not your own.
All that aside, when our friend Marco, who has gorgeous flowing tresses, recommended a hairdressers (Pepe's) to us, myself and Monika decided to go for it. The place seemed a bit foreboding, as it was on a second floor and we had to ascend many stairs and knock at a heavily barred door to get in. But we were pleasantly surprised to find a light and airy room, with awaiting stylists. I had never before had my hair cut by a transvestite. Let alone a middle aged one with a cut-off top and boobs. But I let Pepe, the owner, do his stuff and was not disappointed. He gave me a cut exactly like what I wanted. I was so pleased that I let him really go to town and blow-dry it backwards with a round brush. He gave me wings like Farah Fawcett! And I loved it! I never though I'd see the day. Thanks, Pepe, you made me look like one of Charlie's Angel's - and gave me a cut that still looks great today... and all for 15 soles (2 pounds). Monika opted out of the Angel's blowdry, but got a really nice cut too, just what she wanted. We are both well chuffed.