David Savona
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David Savona
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Where (Not) To Smoke
Posted: Sep 2, 2011 12:00am ET
I
recently returned from a little vacation with the family, and I'm
getting back in the swing of things here at the office. That means
getting back to smoking cigars. During my trip, I took a seven-day
break. Every now and then, I don't mind missing a day (or a few days) of
puffing cigars.
One
part of my trip included a visit to Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the
amusement park known as Hershey Park. It's a fun place, especially if
you have a child who enjoys roller coasters. Hershey Park has 11 of
them. The two toughest ones were Fahrenheit, a steel monster with a 97
degree drop (you can see it in the picture), and Storm Runner, a beast
that goes zero to 72 miles per hour in about two seconds and has a drop
of 180 feet.
You
can't walk around Hershey Park smoking cigars. (Things have changed
quite a bit since I was a kid.) But the park at least provides places to
people who smoke, designated smoking areas where smoking is allowed. I
saw several when I was there. These are wooden huts, built in gazebo
style, with an open door and room inside and out. Not lots of room,
certainly nothing elegant, but at least there was a place.
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My
son saw people puffing cigarettes, and told me I should light a cigar
there. I explained that's not what cigar smoking is all about. When I
smoke for pleasure, I want to be in a relaxed, comfortable environment,
not huddled in an unlit shack without seats. Not rushing. When I puff
for pleasure, I'm not smoking a cigar because my body says I have to,
I'm smoking a cigar because I want to.
Were
there times that I wanted to have a cigar while I was there? Sure. But I
can go a few days without puffing. I smoke more cigars than most
people, but I don't wake up in the morning with a burning urge for that
first cigar, and if I happen to not light one up in a given day I don't
get antsy. You don't tend to see cigar smokers huddled outside of
buildings here in New York City, stealing a puff on their lunch break.
Cigar smoking is for relaxing. For contemplation. For conversation. It's
not about the smoke, it's something else.
So
while I thank the good people who run Hershey Park for allowing
smoking, albeit in a very Spartan environment, I decided to pass.
Sometimes, it just makes sense to wait.
Do you agree?
Comments 18 comment(s)
John Conturo — Roslyn, PA, USA, — September 6, 2011 1:33pm ET
gcolby972@Verizon.net — September 6, 2011 3:37pm ET
I saw the smoke dens when I was there as well. It looked like a place you would cut open a philly blunt, not a place for a nice cigar. I took a walk around the Hershey Lodge and had a cigar next to the big pond across from the main entrance. Nice spot if you go back.
john thielen — September 6, 2011 8:24pm ET
I agree, one should have a cigar with the time to enjoy it from start to finish with no interuptions and with the company of others who understand this. My Sunday morning smoke reading the paper on the porch with my girfriend before going to church is truly peacefull and relaxing or strolling through St Augustine's St George street and surrounding area with a good smoke in one hand and a good woman on the other is what it is all about.
Taylor Franklin — September 8, 2011 9:51am ET
Yet another reason why cigar and pipe enthusiasts have much lower rates of suicide compared to non smokers and cigarette smokers.
Adam Lyon — North Grosvenordale, CT, United States of America, — September 8, 2011 10:50am ET
I've always found it funny how, for me, cigar smoking doesn't rule my life like cigarette smoking does to cigarette smokers. There are times when I certainly have the urge to have a cigar, but no more than I have other urges such as to eat a great steak, or have a cup of coffee. I've never seen a cigar smoker frantically lighting up at an airport after a long flight, or getting those last few puffs before getting in a car.
That shows me that cigar smoking is about more than the tobacco, it’s a state of mind that is only achieved when you have the time relax, reflect, converse, and enjoy the entire experience. No cigar is worth wasting without having that entire experience.
William — September 8, 2011 12:17pm ET
As a Canadian who only smokes outdoors, I have no choice but to be content with going weeks or months without a cigar. During the summer, I generally smoke no more than one or two a week, so I can usually find a time and place to relax.
I find the cigar forces me to stop working. Without a cigar, there's always the danger I would get tired of relaxing and go back inside and work on something.
Chuck Gough — Wichita, Kansas, USA, — September 11, 2011 5:29am ET
Great point, David. Cigar smoking is more than just satisfying some sort of base urge for nicotine. It's a social happening, even if you are alone. For me, being outside on a beautiful morning such as the one we had today, and will have tomorrow, is what it's all about. A great cigar, beautiful weather, contemplating the day at hand, or reflecting on the days events at night is what I love about cigars. It doesn't hurt that I get to enjoy my cigars with my wife, who smokes as well. We both find it very enjoyable, and look forward to our "alone" time together.
Eric Walker — Charlston , WV, USA, — September 14, 2011 1:35pm ET
Cigars, are more about the exprince like an event that you plan rather then a cigertte where you smoke just to smoke. For, me early firday evenings are great espcally on old 1920'style porch with a swing just brillant
Anthony Potts — Herndon, Virginia, USA, — September 16, 2011 11:35am ET
I totally agree, enjoying one of your favorite cigars is a time for good conversation and laughter with great friends, celebrations, personal reflection or just to enjoy a well-made product.
Frederick Brassard — Montreal , Quebec, Canada, — September 20, 2011 10:34am ET
I never smoked a cigarette and personally, I think it's disgusting. Lot's of my friends compare cigars with cigarettes and think it is a big misunderstanding and a lack of cigar culture to compare both. I can't smoke my cigars in my break time or when I am waiting for the bus! :) It's a no sense for me!
Cigars is a moment of life luxury and it need to be respected! I own lot's of cigars and learned everything on it, I love the history of it and explore all the flavours.
Cheers,
French Canadian cigars lover :)
Ray A — Teaneck, nj, — September 21, 2011 5:11pm ET
Dave - I totally agree with your assessment. It's just not about smoking cigars just to smoke - let cigarette smokers do that. When I smoke my cigars I do it only when it's the right setting, environment and where I can relax and enjoy. I too will go days without smoking one - that is part of the enjoyment of it for me.
Lincoln Harris — Whangarei, Otaika, New Zealand, — September 23, 2011 8:31pm ET
Smoking cigars is true zen, for no other reason than pleasure it is the ultimate way to say im in control and im content.
Ltru Styles — Whangarei, New Zealand, — September 23, 2011 8:34pm ET
Yea boi
jjjxn@hotmail.com — September 26, 2011 7:37pm ET
A year ago wife and I left the city after 52 years. We moved to a farm, 1/4 mile off the road, an oasis of calm. I quickly became addicted to the peace and contentment of just "watching the corn grow". Last May, a friend of mine returned from the DR and gave me a no name. I sat down that evening and put the fire to it. For the next 90 minutes the peace and contentment was expanded exponentially. I was hooked. I've enjoyed many cigars since then (everything from ninety-fours to seventy-fours) and am continually amazed at the pleasure that I derive from all of them. Sorry I was so late to the party, but you guys have it right!
Nathan King — Omaha, Nebraska, United States, — October 6, 2011 3:24pm ET
I have gone for over a month without a cigar with no cravings. I missed the relaxation a cigar provides but didn't "NEED" it.
Thomas Person — louisville, KY, USA, — October 6, 2011 4:34pm ET
Well put David. Smoking a cigar is about the experience and camaraderie in a comfortable setting; being crammed in cubicle indoors or our is not for me. At the rate the gov't is going cigar smokers may become "the huddled masses yearning to be free"
Joe Kenny — Hong Kong, n/a, Hong Kong, — October 20, 2011 1:57am ET
I agree with you, David. To me, the enjoyment of a cigar is not smoking; its Cigaring!
GaryPartoyan — November 28, 2011 3:55am ET
I completely agree with you, David. And I appreciate that you are not judgmental about it. If a rookie cigar chum had the same idea as your son, I hope that I would be gracious and helpful, not critical. After all, this is about pleasure and relaxation. Cheers!
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I used to smoke cigarettes, about a half a pack a day. Gave it up fifteen years ago. I sometimes go weeks without smoking a cigar. It is true, with how busy my life is with work, home, my wife and kids I find it hard to find an hour to myself when I can sit down and relax withour interuptions and enjoy a really good cigar. That's the only way to enjoy a smoke. I'd rather not smoke at all if there will be interuptions or if I am hurried. Waiting for that calm relaxed time with cocktail and watch a ball game or golf tornament is well worth it.