Havana Masterclass Planning

[n2advnture]

Having never been, factory & field tours would be tops for me.

[CanuckSARTech]

Hey Rob, I know I'm a newbie here, but maybe if a factory tour is to be part of this trip, maybe it might be beneficial to put up a thread with a vote, to see which factory members would prefer to take a tour of.

I mention this, as me myself would be for the Partagas factory. I've had a chance to go on a number of cigar factory tours, in Cuba (R&J, La Corona) and in the Dominican Republic (can't remember which one, was back in '96 or so before I was even into cigars). Me, I would want to see the Partagas factory (and/or the H. Upmann one), as I've always been skunked on going to Partagas, due to different variables. So, my other tours have just been as a fall-back.

Just a thought, anyways. To see what the group thinks.

Again, I know I'm the newbie here, but just trying to add to the Forum. Thanks.

[Ken Gargett]

I have been in discussion with Toby Brocklehurst (good friend of Ken and I who operates a travel company in Cuba) for the development of a Cigar Masterclass in Havana.

Abridged version:

Arrival into Havana

Best Bars

Best Restaurants

Best Music/Nightclubs

Havana Tour

Plantation tour

Private Factory Tour

One day masterclass with top roller/blender/Sommelier (rums) in a historic location..followed by great dinner...Gato Tuerto

We believe we can wrap it up in 4 days making it ideal for our European/Canadian brethren to do it all over a 4 day weekend and either head home or extend their stay for the week. if the Embargo drops, then of course it is a no brainer for our US members.

What we are trying to do is show you the Cuba that we know, introduce you to our friends there, the things that we love.

Our question is, before we finalise it, what are the things that you would also like to do during that 4 days? If there are any specifics, let us know.

this differs from the usal trip how?

[Fuzz AI]

this differs from the usal trip how?

Slightly less debauchery and Rob doesn't give a watch away?

[habanablue]

Slightly less debauchery and Rob doesn't give a watch away?

Spiro's suggestion of wives/partners coming along knocks out half of Rob itinerary.

Perhaps bringing better halves would lower the insurance premium of such a trip?

[Ken Gargett]

Spiro's suggestion of wives/partners coming along knocks out half of Rob itinerary.

and there we have a major dfference.

and colt, you reminded me of an investigative journo who has stumbled onto something and thinks he has a big scoop but in reality has absolutely no idea just what he really has stumbled on to. rob has been known to describe cuba as an onion and we keep peeling away layers - yes, he is a barel of laughs when he gets philosphical. i tend to think rob's visits are more like an onion. keep peeling away to find new depths to what is already on the nose.

would be great if you could get there and see what really happens (i mean the charity work, the church visits, the cultural exchanges etc).

[El Presidente]

and there we have a major dfference.

and colt, you reminded me of an investigative journo who has stumbled onto something and thinks he has a big scoop but in reality has absolutely no idea just what he really has stumbled on to. rob has been known to describe cuba as an onion and we keep peeling away layers - yes, he is a barel of laughs when he gets philosphical. i tend to think rob's visits are more like an onion. keep peeling away to find new depths to what is already on the nose.

would be great if you could get there and see what really happens (i mean the charity work, the church visits, the cultural exchanges etc).

As you would' say ken....."Pot Kettle...Pot Kettle."

So I am a cultural ambassador spreading love, laughter and watches.

A Partners Program? Spiro I was hoping to call you today but no opportunity. At airport now boarding shortly but will give you a call tomorrow.

.....there are a few things we need to discuss

[Ken Gargett]

As you would' say ken....."Pot Kettle...Pot Kettle."

true but i am not so silly as to invite the people on whom i depend for my livelihood to witness me in all my glory. what possessed you?

[Colt45]

and colt, you reminded me of an investigative journo who has stumbled onto something and thinks he has a big scoop but in reality has absolutely no idea just what he really has stumbled on to.......

would be great if you could get there and see what really happens (i mean the charity work, the church visits, the cultural exchanges etc).

KG, I'm not sure I understand - when I say cigars would not be my highest priority, it's exactly because there are other things I'd be more interested

in doing / seeing while there, especially on a relatively short visit. This does not mean I would not want to do cigar related things, but if it's the main

purpose, and again, a short trip, it might not be for me.

[El Presidente]

true but i am not so silly as to invite the people on whom i depend for my livelihood to witness me in all my glory. what possessed you?

I enjoy what we get up to...you enjoy what we get up to...there is nothing to hide.

(note to Jose....if this goes ahead...pay off any potential... problems )

[sje]

Ahhgr what was i thinking ?????????????

a partners program ? maybe i was refering to our Cuban partners whom we would meet on arrival (you know the standar 30 girl line up) like we are picking teams, (joking of course)

you know i had this experience in china back in 2003, the first night of a 6 day business trip to Beijing and Shanghai i was asked to choose (out of a line up) up to 10 girls who would travel with us and be at my call for the next 6 days. (of course the excersise was fun but i declined) truly declined. (even though one of them was a spitt of Lucy Lui (I KID YOU NOT)

so, yes i know a partners program is kind of "WTF", but the excersize was about expanding ROBs CUban colleagues market potential

remember its only my 2c

ROB i am in and out of meetings today so if you miss me ill call you back

s

[Guest rob]

whatever.... I'm in!

[El Presidente]

I am possibly a barbarian but one of the fundamental laws I have casually observed over the years is that a man who brings his "partner" behaves very differently to the man who comes alone.

There are exceptions. Few.

Over the years it has been another observation that on the rare times I have teamed up with a husband and wife team for various events in Havana....the wife appears to like me less as the week wears on while the husband is having a whale of a time.

Of course there are the rare occasions where husband and wife or fiance to be have separated on the trip or shortly afterward.

It is too big a burden to bare.

[CanuckSARTech]

I am possibly a barbarian but one of the fundamental laws I have casually observed over the years is that a man who brings his "partner" behaves very differently to the man who comes alone.

There are exceptions. Few.

Over the years it has been another observation that on the rare times I have teamed up with a husband and wife team for various events in Havana....the wife appears to like me less as the week wears on while the husband is having a whale of a time.

Of course there are the rare occasions where husband and wife or fiance to be have separated on the trip or shortly afterward.

It is too big a burden to bare.

Oh dear. Sounds like I'm up for some headaches with the Mrs. if I continue to put my time in here, am I?! Errrgh, all's fun and games.

[OZCUBAN]

I will continue to espouse Rob as the Cultural and the cigar Ambassador that he is,other wise the cat is out of the bag ,and there's no putting it back in

And bottom line i would love to go to Cuba one day

And as Rob says:

I am possibly a barbarian but one of the fundamental laws I have casually observed over the years is that a man who brings his "partner" behaves very differently to the man who comes alone.

There are exceptions. Few.

So true,and i am not one of the few

we need Charismatic leaders

OZ

[jsd]

I was chatting with the wife in the car the other day and I mentioned this trip. She actually wasn't opposed to me going. Most likely would'n't be the first one but hopefully 2012 would be the year. Everything about it sounds great. I know a few people who have been several times and they love it there. It would also be great to meet other FOH members in person.

[Habanakane21]

Damn, That sounds like it'll be an incredible time. Can I stow away in someones suitcase. I'm 6'4 230lbs. So you'll need to bring a big bag. I'll pay the overage!!!

[jawofboston]

if the Embargo drops, then of course it is a no brainer for our US members.

Our question is, before we finalise it, what are the things that you would also like to do during that 4 days? If there are any specifics, let us know.

Is it safe to assume that if some of the US members decide not to obey the random dictates of their irrational government, that you and the other participants won't think less of us or question our morals?

Also, regarding suggestions for things to do, I think on any trip like this there should be at least some time to do nothing but lay in the sun, drink rum, and smoke cigars. Maybe it's just me...

[CanuckSARTech]

Is it safe to assume that if some of the US members decide not to obey the random dictates of their irrational government, that you and the other participants won't think less of us or question our morals?

Also, regarding suggestions for things to do, I think on any trip like this there should be at least some time to do nothing but lay in the sun, drink rum, and smoke cigars. Maybe it's just me...

Here, here! Now there's some time well spent!

[ChanceSchmerr]

I love the heck out of this idea, and I recently proposed it in this manner to the boss - and it wasn't shot down yet either!

I go to Cuba for a masterclass. Immerse myself in a land and culture I'm dying to visit and see. Upon the conclusion of the Masterclass, my fiancee flies in, I meet her at the airport, and we go off to our resort so she can enjoy sun, sand and surf which is what she likes. Somewhere in our joint vacation, we will head to Havana for a day or two, and I'll now be fully versed on where to go and what to see - making it a more enjoyable vacation for both of us. My experiences in Portugal the last couple of weeks were an eye-opener - some of the family BS and abject lack of planning made for a frustrating trip for a lot of the time. Knowing where to go and what to see would really make a vacation so much better, especially because she's a planner extraordinaire, whereas I was planning to start using my day planner last year, if only I could find it

Really can't wait for this Masterclass!!!!! Bravo Prez!

[CanuckSARTech]

Damn, That sounds like it'll be an incredible time. Can I stow away in someones suitcase. I'm 6'4 230lbs. So you'll need to bring a big bag. I'll pay the overage!!!

I've got a rifle case that you should fit into. If you're lucky, I might even open up the air valve for you.

But, that'll cost you extra.

[thechenman]

Very intriguing proposal Prez...