One of my goals for this year is to push myself out of my comfort zone. So far, so good. I’ve traveled more than ever; lived in 4 foreign cities; kinda learned Spanish; climbed a 6,000 meter mountain; lost a toenail; etc. And, now, I’ve grown a beard.
I started growing a beard because mi chica de Buenos Aires: Fernanda, said she liked me better with scruff. Most guys in Argentina have facial hair. And, apparently, she has always had a thing for Charles Darwin.
Seemed apropos to Darwin: I must adapt to my environment in order to survive in South America. More scruff is needed.
I never really thought it would work for me. I don’t have that natural full bodied mane like a Jeff Sloan or a Brent Blum. These guys could be on the cover of Beards Weekly.
Jeff Sloan
Brent Blum
My beard comes in patchy, and it’s a blend of calico cat colors, ranging from brown to red to white. I tried growing it when I was in Colorado a few years ago, and when my sister saw the train wreck, she immediately called it off. I concurred.
But, after not shaving for 2 months, I actually got a lot of compliments. I think I blended in more with the South American culture. Some of the Remote girls said it gave me “street cred.” Remote Jacek said, “Yeah, I don’t like it.”
To beard or not to beard? Seems split. When I got to Cusco, I shaved because I needed a change. But, then I kinda missed it. Personally, I think it looks good when it's in that in-between stage, like the 5 o clock shadow that almost broke the internet two months ago. :]
Lesson learned: It is nice to push yourself out of your comfort zone.