Stogie Commentary: Fraternal Order of Cigar Smokers
15 Jan 2009
The airport in Providence, Rhode Island, is remarkable in at least one way. You can stroll out the front door, walk for just a few minutes, and find yourself at a commercial highway with bars, restaurants, gas stations, and other enterprises. With the weather too chilly and damp for outside smoking, I decided to use the time I had during a stopover there to eat a quick meal.
I went to an Irish pub and sat at the bar, dropping my briefcase on the adjacent stool. The bag I use is an old one emblazoned with the name of my former employer. The bartender noticed it and asked if I was reporter. I told him I’d retired a few years back and complimented him on his sharp eye. He said he was particularly attuned to it because a former Washington Post reporter had stopped in between flights recently, and they’d talked about a book he’d written. I laughed and said about the only thing I wrote about these days was cigars.
“Oh, you smoke cigars?†he said. “I do, too.†He went on to tell me he enjoyed Fonsecas, sometimes worked at a local shop, and was impressed with the selection at a local cigar store chain. I gave him one of my Stogie Guys business cards and told him about the site. He said he’d check it out.
As I left, I laid a cigar down with the tip. I was glad I had a couple with me because it seemed just the thing. I hope that when he got a chance to smoke, it brightened his day as much as he did mine that gray, wet afternoon. Is there anything else that can create instant camaraderie like a cigar?
photo credit: Flickr
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
I agree. Nothing like a cigar to create instant camaraderie.
George, you are so right about that. My brother in-law and myself do that from time to time and it makes and it not only is a real ice breaker but makes an instant friend.
Several of my closest friends would probably be no more than acquaintances if not for our mutual enjoyment of cigars. A marvelous fellowship enhancement tool and a great way to connect with people in unfamiliar places–just follow the glorious aroma of super-premium second-hand cigar smoke!
I can't even begin to tell you the number of times that a cigar has been the jumping off point to good conversation, friendly laughs, and acquaintances that wouldn't have happened otherwise. Too bad that those who condemn our good fortune of smoking a fine cigar, will just never "get it"!
A year or so ago I was in Atlantic City during the Mayors convention. I was smoking a La Flor Dominicana and a Mayor from somewhere in NJ mentioned how good it smelled. I went up to my room and grabbed a Padron for him. It was a time of true cigar comraderie. I believe in passing on a good cigar if you realize someone also enjoys such a pleasure. Share your favorite smoke!