The beard; a progress report

Seeing as a 7 month round the world trip is a rare opportunity to experiment with facial hair, safe from the threat of ridicule from friends and colleagues, Sami has decided to grow a beard. Or, at least, what may one day resemble one.

So far, we're glad to report (as you must have been longing to know), it's progressing quite nicely. Except a few sporadic outposts on the North face of the cheeks, the main follicle groupings are making the early stubble look increasingly respectable. Sami thinks it looks 'Well'ard'. In fact, he claims, several Jordanian females, through their anonymous black burkhas, have been giving him some admiring looks.

Besides, regular scratching during chessgames should provide ample stimulation for future growth. Mere is still on the fence. Her complaints about schnuggly itchiness have so far been ignored. But, one day he may give in. As we all know, the love lobby is a powerful one.