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.

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.