Beard Watch 2006

Well, it's Febuary 9th as I write this, four days away from starting my new job and the beard is still here. Recently I took a short trip to Japan to get my work visa from the Korean consulate. I'm not sure why I figured Japan would be a more beard friendly environment, but I did... I mean didn't that last samurai guy have one? Well after getting pulled aside at the airport for a full body pat down, I began to question whether Hollywood had let me down, yet again. One short but busy subway ride with everyone taking a look and nobody willing to sit next to me and it was confirmed: either I had really bad B.O or the people of Fukuoka were prejudiced against beards. After a quick check to make sure it wasn't an odor issue, I was sure it was the beard. (Funny how when everyone is already staring at you, taking a whiff in public of one's armpits doesn't seem a big deal)

Seeing as this whole "we're scared of beards" thing is becoming a regular part of my day I decided not to let it ruin my trip. I have however decided to hold a lesser view of any man incapable of growing a beard. (I use the term "man" loosely, after all what man can't grow a beard).

Beard Watch 2006

day 64
Lines between reality and fantasy thinning. Is the beard growing on me or am I growing on it?
Must stay in control..
"sh.. sh... everythings o.k nobody will shave you, they only stare because your so beautiful......
.....my....precious."

Beard stays........Koreans change!

Beard Watch 2006

Well a new year has rolled around and, despite an array of outside pressures, the beard has stuck it out. But for how long? Recently at a children's play room with our son Joseph I attempted to make a young child smile using an array of facial contortions that in Canada had been tried tested and true. While I cannot know for sure what this poor child (who had probably seldom if ever seen a Caucasian before, let alone one with a beard) thought of my display, judging from the little girl's reaction of tears and utter terror, I think I may be able to make a fairly safe assumption... little children here are not ready for the beard.

Beard Watch 2005

Dec. 15.

It's been nearly a month here in Korea now and the beard is doing fine.

Those that know me will know that the number one reason I was looking forward to quitting my job in the bakery after six years and moving to Korea was that finally I'd have the opportunity to grow a beard.

Ever since I was only wee I dreamed of having a beard, whether it was covering my face with soap suds or an unusual fixation with lumberjacks (perhaps this also explains the whole plaid thing) , the thought of a beard has been one of the few constants in my life.

So there we were just under a month ago freshly arrived in Korea my beard filling out beautifully when fate played it's cruel hand. I had noticed that nobody and I mean nobody else had a beard. I understand the whole folically challenged arguement, when it comes to Koreans growing beards but why all the staring at my beard. I know its a fine looking specimen of a beard and deserving of attention but something didn't feel right.

Well lo and behold the truth would reveal itself through one of Hanna's co-workers. It seems that beards are considered "rude" here and belong on vagrants or those of low social standing. Sigh....
So in honor of my beard and the fact that it may very well have to go so that I can get a job teaching I have decided to start Beard watch 05.