SignalJoe

Cubans were granted sanctuary and citizenship through the wet foot - dry foot policy (granted if they touched US soil, returned to Cuba if intercepted at sea). That policy was rescinded by Obama when he worked to foster diplomatic relations with Cuba.

I spoke with Papo who lives in San Luis (very near Finca Robaina) and he said the area dodged any real damage.

I thought my pathetic showing would have stood out!

Allow me throw dignity aside as I make one more attempt to beg the FOH community for a spare box. Can anyone please help me with this?

I made it back for the first time post Covid in November of 22. The difference was obvious on the drive in from the airport. The streets and restaurants were empty of both cars and people. The drive from my Casa in Edado to the Nacional was even more depressing. It was the first time I had the Malecon more or less abandoned. The street activity elsewhere was about half of what I remembered. I understand that 10% is the accepted number in population loss, the eyeball test suggests its far greater than that.

The important factor to remember is that ultimately US Customs agents are government employees. Meaning you will encounter a variety of competence and knowledge just as with any other government employees. I always come back from Cuba through Houston. Over the years I have found it all just boils down to luck oi the draw on the Customs agent you get, their knowledge and what mood they may be in. Returning in 2020 I admitted to having two boxes of cigars in my carry on ( I had several hundred more in the checked bags that I didn't believe were part of the discussion). The agent asked me if I was allowed to have that many. When I said yes, he asked a coworker that said "he can have as many as he wants. The Cuban embargo is over." I wanted to ask for his name and schedule so I could go through his line every time, but discretion told me to just shut up and accept my good luck. In 2022 the Agent asked me where I was coming from. When I said Cuba his entire demeanor changed and he asked me if I knew that Cuba was on the list of State sponsors of terrorism. He wasn't interested in hearing that Americans are allowed to travel there under 12 catagories as outlined by the US State Department. Without any further questions he turned to his computer and began typing like he was in a FB argument. What seemed like an hour later (probably 2 minutes) he hollered out for an escort officer. I was told to fetch my checked bags and they were thoroughly searched. Every single cigar was found and the searching agent walked off suddenly and wordlessly leaving me standing alone wondering what the hell was going on. When he returned from a side office he said "I'm going to use officers discretion and allow you to keep your cigars. You can put them back in your bags." I never walked so fast in all my life as I did heading for the exit that night. In 2023 the couple in front of me said they had nothing to declare and the agent asked them why they didn't bring anything back. They said they were told if they brought anything back it would be confiscated. The agent assured them that wasn't true and they could have brought back rum and cigars. I chose to remain silent and didn't admit to having anything to declare. I flew through without any issue. In February of 2024 the guy in front of me got the "I need an escort officer" treatment and was taken off for additional scrutiny. When the agent called me forward I said "I need to know exactly what that guy said to you so I don't end up like him." The officer broke down in laughter and the only question I got was where was I coming from mixed in among the laughter and a closing "get the hell outta here." There you have it four different officers and not one of them knew the actual laws they are tasked with enforcing regarding Cuban goods. At the end of day it just comes down to pure dumb arse luck and maybe a bit of how serious the agent you end up in front views their responsibilties. And those are just the last four trips. The ones before those were a wild grab bag of agents that were just as bewildered.

I have almost 50 (had to sample a few) Julieta #2 sized custom rolls that I would like to lay down for some rest. They are currently being stored in a plastic bag in my humidor. I would like to rehouse them to a nice cedar box. Due to the length of them it has to be a 50 cab box of Double Coronas. If anyone has an old unused DC 50 cab box (any brand, age, etc) that they would be willing to part with I'd be happy to pay you for it as well as the shipping. Please let me know if you can help with this. P.S. Yes, I know my life would be easier if I just smoked Montescos like HSA wants and is trying to force me to. Thanks in advance!

I have bought this book five times and read it a few more. I've given the previous copies away as gifts (once in Havana). It is an amazing history and will be very tangible especially for those who have visited Havana as you read the stories of how some of the famous hotels came to be. I can't recommend it enough.

At today's prices he might have enough cash to buy a few singles.

I resisted the Cohiba mythology for years. Why pay "those prices" (2005 prices at that) when Partagas and Bolivar were so spectacular. I held that belief right up to the moment I bought a 3 pack of CoRo. The intoxicating aroma gave me reason to doubt my long held belief, once lit I knew I was wrong. By the halfway point I knew I would never buy another robusto. Then HSA raised their prices and now I believe farm rolls are the only robusto I will ever buy again.

For me Gardens of Stone far outwieghs Godfather. The way they appoached the Vietnam war was genuine and thoughtful, and the supporting cast was brilliant as well. As a shameless John Wayne fan I loved him in El Dorado as well.

This is the only reason I haven't been back yet. That test at the airport in Cuba requires the traveler to quarantine while awaiting the results, which takes about 5 days. Not looking to spend half my time on the island hiding waiting for the Cuban bureaucracy to produce test results.

Connie A and HU2

For those unfamiliar Mr. Overton was Americas veteran and lived to the age of 112. He attributed his longevity to drinking whiskey and smoking cigars daily, 10-12 to be exact! Sadly he passed two days after Christmas in 2018, fortunately some cigar store owners in East Austin found a way to pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of an icon. https://www.fox7austin.com/video/736544?fbclid=IwAR0_ARICmvmqYJdt4206u2-vdYqBygrpSgLlh3wI554Gf2G-Vd6LKXdw6JQ

I ordered 4

I'm in for 4

Understood. That's why i said if you ever decide to do another run let me know.

Looks like I missed the boat on this one. If you should ever open up to do another please let us know.

Right at $230 a box. Supply was not plentiful during Partagas week. I bought two boxes at Havana Libre and saw a single box at store on Obispo street.

Came back through Houston a few weeks ago without issue. The agent asked if I had purchased tobacco when I said yes he asked "how many?" I told him I have 75 in this bag, He said "Ok" and "welcome back." I didn't seem like the appropriate time to mention the substantially larger quantities in my checked bags.

PM sent.

No issues. I pack the bulk of the boxes in one checked bag. I put as many customs as possible in a large Xikar case with 2-3 boxes in another and the same in my carry on. It's sort of a shell game to make big numbers look smaller.

My Cuba haul fresh from the freezer. Customs from Alex, Papo and others.

They were not easily available on the island. If you asked the right person or were friendly with a house roller they could be found. I managed to source 6 boxes, including one I blindly walked into at the Vegueros factory in Pinar. Asking for them usually drew responses ranging from flat out no, supposed to get some (pick a day), to sold out or not released yet.

The best BBQ in Dallas by far is Cattleack BBQ. They are only open Thursday and Friday, so show up early as the line gets long and do sell out. Well worth the wait. https://www.texasmonthly.com/restaurant/cattleack-barbeque/