The Cigar EXPERIENCE
Adcurium
Posts: 179 ✭✭
You would be hard-pressed to find any place in Paris that sells take-out coffee (although, unfortunately, on our last trip in 2008 we did see a newly opened Starbucks). As an American (and a New Englander) I am always in a rush, even when I should be enjoying my time, certain company, and my life. Once, I tried to convince a Parisian waiter to give me a to-go cup. He refused and explained that in Paris, they don't sell coffee. They sell an experience. It isn't about that cup of coffee, but the experience of sitting in a cafe, taking a few deep breaths whether it be for 5 minutes or 5 hours, and calming your soul. This diatribe relates to cigars. I swear. And here's how:
For me, smoking a cigar isn't about the smoke. It is about the experience. A cigar is how I get some 'me' time. I like to drop by my B&M after court and before going back to the office. For about an hour, everyone at the office is likely to think I'm still 'working'. I don't answer my phone. I light up a cigar b/c for however long that cigar is burning, I'm going to enjoy my life and the company of some men who are looking for the same solace. My B&M doesn't sell me a cigar. It isn't about the money I spent. It sells me an experience. Which is worth, at least, the price of a cigar.
Sometimes on a Friday after everyone leaves the office I'll sit on a bench in our parking lot and end the week with a robusto-sized meditation session before a miserable commute home.
Oh, and I'm guilty of taking a weekend trip to the 'hardware store' (that's what I tell my wife, at least). I instead grab a cup of coffee and sit by the water for a smoke. (And when I come back empty handed, I tell her that they didn't have what I was looking for).
I'm sorry to be soo winded. But, having said all that, does anyone else want to share their cigar experiences? I don't care what brand is involved. This thread isn't about the cigar.
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I blame Rich Cutting, because he was the one who introduced me to premium cigars, and I took to them like a duck to water.
Some of my best memories though were the times when I would sit on the front porch of the fire station (lived there) after work, with a glass of brandy or cognac, a good book, and a good cigar; my feet propped up on the porch rail, and watching the world go by. Sometimes I read, sometimes I just held the book. But those were some of the most relaxing memories in my life, those months.
I cherish them.
Last fall I had a Gray-Jay land ON the cigar while I was smoking it. You don't get any closer to nature than that!
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¨Only two people walk around in this world beardless - boys and women - and I am neither one.¨
"Long ashes my friends."
Oh yeah.....
The Herf in Cali where the BOTL were more then helpful with such beautiful weather and great conversation. Not to mention the shrimp burrito and fish tacos.
On that same trip finally getting a chance to sit down with my friend and smoke a cigar and catch up on life and family after a long time of not seeing each other.
The many smokes that Tat (Phil) and I have enjoyed together at the many different times and places. It has helped with my mental health as well as just having some fun. All the great people that we have met and the food and drinks that we have enjoyed together.
Finally having a few cigars with my father on my back porch and talking about things I never thought that he and I would ever be able to talk about. It is strange that it took him moving across the country for this to happen but better late then never. It is amazing what this hobby has done for me and my life. I'm looking forward to the next year as well.
The most meaningful was with my older son, just before he was deployed. He and I and his younger brother were able to sit out on the patio and enjoy the time together. When he gets home this August, we hope to do that again. I'll pick out a special cigar.