Yesterday was my brother’s birthday. I call him my baby brother because he’s 20 months younger than me, but about a foot-and-a-half taller. It amuses me to call him that, while looking straight up to make eye contact with him.
My brother is one of the smartest people I know, and keep in mind that I’ve met a lot of smarty-pantses. I think I’m correct in saying that the following photo was taken during the happiest time in his life – so far. In 2009, he took a solo motorcycle trip to the southernmost tip of South America, Tierra del Fuego. This particular picture was taken in Mexico.
It takes a lot of guts to set out on a trip like that. He researched the countries he’d visit and took Spanish lessons. He knew what to expect and the local customs. When Mexican soldiers tried to rob him of all of his money, he negotiated them down. Another time, he missed an armed holdup of his hotel because he had popped across the street for a cold beer. He ate guinea pig in Peru, known as cuy, when that was the only meat available. He rode treacherous paths, visited Machu Pichu a day before rainstorms washed out the roads and had all sorts of adventures he hasn’t told me about, I’m sure.
We are very different. He can’t imagine speaking in public or going on the radio and I do it for a living. He doesn’t like being the centre of attention, loves UFC and enjoys cooking. He’s a good dude. And he’s just finished taking another lap around the sun.