I decided I didn't want the hassle so I stopped shaving on Ash Wednesday, by the time I arrived in SJPDP April 10th I had a distinguished beard..or so I was told.
Arriving in Santiago, five weeks later, I decided to have a full clean up. I asked about a "men's" barber shop, but the one recommended (near the large park across from my favorite bar) was closed.
Wandering around I found a Ladies Salon. The only man visible was the young owner. I hobbled in and indicated I wanted both the beard and the hair cut. Initially, he wasn't sure he wanted me for a client, but none of the female patrons and technicians seemed adverse to my presence.
Sitting on a very nice leather chair I could observe the entire operation.
There were 12 stations for cutting/shaping hair, another 6 for shampooing, 5 for pedi/manicures. All were occupied and there were five ladies waiting with me in the cue.
I am sure that every beautiful woman in Santiago was in the shop that day. I was in heaven.
When my turn was called, I was taken by a very attractive lady...below this level into another fully equipped salon. Gone was all the hustle and bustle. Gone the chatting, the oohs and ahhs! It was only me and the barber.
My hair was shampooed, cut, trimmed and shaped. Ditto my beard. Every errant hair was plucked. Again, I was shampooed and cream applied to my weathered face and ears. Thinking she was finished, I began to stand up. Firm hands held my shoulders and pressed me back into the chair.
As the chair was reclined two additional women appeared and began a pedicure and a manicure. The first technician began a massage of my head and shoulders.
I fell asleep, waking about an hour later.
Grow the beard!
Arn
