Orion21 Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Unlike the stereotypical internet forum Friends of Habanos (FOH) is a very special oasis in the desert of the internet. It may mirror how Australia was originally colonized -- once a place for the castoffs of society, overtime has been transformed into jewel that the whole world has come to love and admire. I know I am preaching to the choir, but there is a distinct and undeniable sense of comradeship here that is inspiring. In a cynical and demanding world it is so nice to know that this place exists. During the work week, between meetings , I find myself checking in to have a nice laugh with members who are chatting in the ShoutBox. It doesn't matter if the discussion is about cigars or not, the brotherhood that exists at FOH is the basis for a unique community that exists around the world. I recently traveled to Toronto on business and several members took time out of their day to join me for 6 hours while we enjoyed cigars and wonderful conversation (Thank you Frank, Hans, Tom and Conor). We had never met each other but exchanged cigars, laughed, broke bread and got on like a bunch of college friends. I was driven back to my hotel, tours of the city were offered -- basically I was treated like a lifelong "mate". If the stock market had not crashed that week -- and I was not forced to work from my room for the remainder of my trip -- a member by the name of Squarehead had offered to drive the hour from his home everyday to smoke a cigar with me and show me his city. I learned a wonderful life lesson about how to make someone feel truly welcome. Thank you Rob, Smithy and Lisa; it is very rare that anyone creates something as special as FOH. My experience has shown me that a business is usually just an extension of the personalities who make it breath. If that is true FOH shows just what amazing people you are: fun, generous, smart and many other adjectives. But any business owner knows running a successful business is hard enough, but doing what you do to bring everyone together requires extra effort most would never bother to exert. I wanted to publically thank you for going the extra mile to create this very special and unique place for the cigar lovers of the world. You deserve the praise even though you would never want or need it. I was chatting with another member today, riazp, and he summed it up nicely: “It’s like Rob said in Toronto, ‘cigars are just the cross on the T, the dot on the I. It’s all about the experience, the conversations, the brotherhood, how we can all be complete strangers but consider each other best of mates.’ All this from a rolled piece of tobacco, amazing when you think about it.” Truly amazing and cheers to FOH and everyone who makes it special.
CanuckSARTech Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Well put, and completely agreed, Orion. Here here! Cheers.
Colt45 Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Ayala already has to special order his hats.......
Puros Y Vino Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Well put Aaron. That sums things up nicely. FOH is a great place to hang out. No flame wars, childishness, etc...Great info, great comraderie, especially when it transitions from "zeroes and ones" into the real world with a handshake and a cigar.
El Presidente Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Ayala already has to special order his hats....... Nice Thanks Aaron for the lovely post. Great analogy in relation to the forming of Australia. People from all over the world coming together, checking their differences at the door and making something good/special. The foundations have always been strong with a great set of mods in Colt, Tampa, Trev, Guy, Wilkey, Ken, Smithy. Yet they along with myself only form the frame. The members of FOH in the way they interact, their spirit of sharing, provide the reinforcement. Lise in many ways provides the soul. All members are custodians of the culture of the community. In effect we are all mods and carriers of the torch. The Toronto and Dublin events were this community at its public finest. The uncountable number of quiet times with mates around the world sharing a beer, a cigar and a laugh is the the true grail.
riazp Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Great Post Aaron, you summed it up beautifully. I too love being here and just chatting with you guys about cigars, money, our wifes, or what we had for dinner last night. Great place to be, no B.S, no flamming, everyone is very respectful. Cheers All fellow FoH'ers
Squarehead Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Well said Aaron and the pleasure was all mine.In a few hours I'm gonna meet up with Tom,Frank and a few others at the Mambo Lounge where we had our herf a week and a half ago.I wish you were here.
Guest rob Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 It's pretty special to know that in a world where the common belief is that everyone looks out for themselves.... that there is a community of people out there - many who have never met you - and they have 'got your back' covered!
CanuckSARTech Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Ayala already has to special order his hats....... No flame wars, childishness, etc... Yeah....F that thought, huh Frank?!?!
Sir Diggamus Posted September 6, 2011 Posted September 6, 2011 Great post! I too have met many top notch folks by hanging out on the boards for awhile. It is definitely a special community we have here.
OZCUBAN Posted September 7, 2011 Posted September 7, 2011 Great post Like I have always said F.O.H is greater than the sum of it's parts Cheers OZ
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