While the film crew is in the field, I went to a hairdresser. I was lured in by saying that it would take about 2 hours. But it really took a full day: from 10 AM to 6.30 PM.

If you've ever watched 'Smoke' or 'Blue in the Face', you know that it's people coming in that share some stories and leave the place again. This was quite similar, although there was no Madonna delivering a postcard while singing.

One of the passengers was an older woman that stepped by. Arthritis made her walk stiffly. But her looks were very fine. ("You see," said the hairdresser later on. "She looks even younger than her daughter and granddaughter.") Some make up, her nails well done, teeth very white - denture white, a white 'Betty Boop' t-shirt, her hair dyed black - but her grey hair were almost visible again. So she needed them done again. She sat down, and talked about how Nigeria and Niger Delta had changed. It used to be such a progressive and friendly place, before the oil spoiled everything.

A mother and child entered the shop. She carried a big bag. Sat down, and started pulling out clothes from the bag to show them to the customers. For sail. Both hairdressers and customers tried on some clothes and started negotiating the price. "At the market you can negotiate, I already give you a good price", said the woman. But of course she had to lower her price, otherwise, no buying, no selling.

A younger lady ran inside. She was panicking because she had a meeting, but almost lost her wig. "Could you please help me fixing it again?" Meanwhile some neighbors sat down in front of the shop, played some music from the telephone (nice sound - not), and were complaining about the different telecom providers. Many people carry at least three different phones, with three different numbers, from three different providers. At least people will be able to reach you on the other phone when one of the providers is failing again.

And no, it wasn't me getting her hair done. Don't think that braids would look good on me. And a wig is way too hot to wear.