To Beard or Not to Beard?

Jun 25

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. :]