Ken Gargett Posted February 21, 2006 Posted February 21, 2006 don´t believe a word of this. rob is looking over my shoulder. first day was the usual blast though fascinating to see the changes here in 12 months and not always for the better. just chatting to locals, there is much more of a ím pissed and i´m only going to take a little more´mentality than previously. stuffed around trying to change rooms at the national for a while - not keen on two weeks in a broom closet. took four tries but eventually got a room with ocean views´. ápparently the pool qualifies as ´ocean views´but much better. went down to catch up with hamlet at r & j and the factory is closed. various thoughts on what will happen - possibly moving, nothing, training school (current use) or revamping. what a shame such a piece of cuban heritage is neglected. shop still open but far less busy. hamlet had some of his spectacular torpedos that he had rolled - don´t tell rob, he´ll want some - and so enjoyed one. great smoke to start. a few beers, rums and catching up. stock seems down and prices seem up. if they are short on stock, the week before the festival not a good sign. then back to the national to meet up with a friend from marketing, jose. two great blokes. jose was incredibly generous and brouht along boxes he´d won as employee of the year for rob and myself - esplendidos and upmann mag 50´s. we shared an esplendido and caught up. on the strictest condition of secrecy, got the inside on the new cigars for the festival and will pass on as soon as allowed. one is less of a secret than habanos might suspect. then the boys arrived, absolutely knackered (thank god, i was begging for an early night). so i am embarassed to report that four young aussie lads on the first night together were all crashed by 9. so far, macho only lost his fishing rods - if you knew macho, that is a big effort. normally his gear is spread around the globe on every trip. he did end up with rob´s credit card and forgot to mention it to rob who cancelled it. so chaos rules per usual. we finished with a siglo vi and crashed.
Ken Gargett Posted February 21, 2006 Author Posted February 21, 2006 the dreaded jet lag struck and despite complete knackerdom, couldn´t sleep. up at three and now useless. meanwhile des had 12 straight hours. something about no rest... slow start but we regrouped. macho had a cohiba robusto and then was able to talk. rob had gone to see him as lost toiletries. macho in goo-goo land and lends him cash to buy new stuff, forgetting that he has rob´s bag in his room. macho was naked for the negotiations so rob just wanted out. so he says. headed down to the old town for a bit. went to the modern art museum which i love but rob announced to all there that his shirt had more art on it than these walls and so it was for an early beer. we found one called tinea or tinema or something which we had not seen. we think it is a 10% job. certainly it knocked us around. had a bite in the bacardi building. discovered camera stuffed. not happy jan. stuck heads in el floridita but jampacked with tourists and rude waiters so went round the corner to catilla de f... much more fun. walked the streets. far less hassle re guys selling fakes and hookers and so on. placed seems more depressed than ever. out to the commodoro strip for a beer and a look at some cigar stores but it seems to have become a *** hangout. we couldn´t drag rob away. he did find some 01 upmann super coronas which we loved (he has his uses). that is up to date.
JMH Posted February 21, 2006 Posted February 21, 2006 » then the boys arrived, » absolutely knackered (thank god, i was begging for an early night). so i » am embarassed to report that four young aussie lads on the first night » together were all crashed by 9. I can't understand how they can be low on stock the week before the festival Seems they're running on cuban time rather than regular time.
Guest gorob23 Posted February 21, 2006 Posted February 21, 2006 » it seems to have become a *** hangout. we couldn´t drag rob away. Ok this line and the room negoitations line almost killed me....Why don't you guys try and have a little fun:-D .... Rob
idesign Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 Don't have TOO much fun...:-D Great updates.....thanks
billyburg Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 can't wait to here the scoop on the new cigars!
Loki Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 Nice narrative Ken. Rob must be much better off now. He did not like the cold in NYC. :crying:
korryp Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 » can't wait to here the scoop on the new cigars! How about some hints?
idesign Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 » » can't wait to here the scoop on the new cigars! » » How about some hints? Come on Ken, throw a few back and spill the beans....
cigardawg Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 » can't wait to here the scoop on the new cigars! Ditto!! :-D
First Lady Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 I can't wait to hear Rob's version on their excusions around Cuba I am sure it is going to totally opposite to Ken's which will keep us all laughing. I have already heard different reports about Ken from Rob. This is going to be fun TFL
skid11 Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 Great update Ken......... You could get a job as a writer !! I hope you get your camera fixed mate and send us a few pics, have fun, keep safe, looking forward to youur next update.
stogies&hoagies Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 » Enjoyable reading...keep it coming. Thanks
Ginseng Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 Thanks so much for the running account. This is almost like being there. Except for the food, the mojitos, the cigars, the sunshine...well, ok, so it's not at all like being there but it's still a helluva fun read. Stay safe guys! Wilkey
Fatshotbud Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 » Thanks so much for the running account. This is almost like being there. » Except for the food, the mojitos, the cigars, the sunshine...well, ok, so » it's not at all like being there but it's still a helluva fun read. » » Stay safe guys! » » Wilkey Enjoyed your account of the trip so far -- hard to believe you are sober enough to type. Keep up the good work! PS - which cost more the hookers or the fakes?:-P
Van55 Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 These reports are excellent. I may never get to Havana, so I am enjoying it vicariously.
fred d. Posted February 22, 2006 Posted February 22, 2006 When are going to start having fun? fred d.
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