Day 2
The smell of friendship has a smell all its own. And in our case, it smells like the delicate aroma of multiple cigars being smoked at once.
I must say that I did not go into this trip expecting to learn anything but I've come out with a broader understanding of what friendship really means. Friendship means opening up your home to your brother and making him feel as comfortable as possible. Friendship means cooking and preparing lots of food and bringing it to the HERF just so your buddy can enjoy it. Friendship is driving two hours after a long day just to sit down and have a smoke with a buddy from out of town. But more importantly, friendship is what you feel when you are sitting with a group of cigar smokers and the conversation is no longer about cigars, its about life and happiness and how glad everyone is to see each other.
My initial entry into this thread was one of fun and frivolity and just general XXX'ness. But now, two days into my adventure, with two HERFs in a row and two cups of coffee in me, it means something more. So I take a more introspective look into this little world we've created here and I realize that this stopped being about cigars for most of us long ago. Here's an example, I was given many great cigars this past two days, but the level of excitement at receiving a good cigar pales in comparison to how excited I was every time someone walked around that corner who I hadn't seen in many months. The smile on my face at seeing my brothers in person again overshadows any cigar that could be obtained at any cost.
So now that my introspective ramblings are over let's get down to the good stuff!
I woke up yesterday morning feeling refreshed and full of life as previously stated. Peter made me some great breakfast and some strong coffee and we started out the day on the right foot. Rick came over later and the three of us went to a VERY popular Japanese market to pick up some supplies for the HERF later that nite. Needless to say it was a very busy place so we quickly relocated to another market in the area. After some good shopping and good conversation we went to a Thai restaurant for lunch were we dished about all things in general. Oh and just for some information for when you go to San Diego, apparently ordering something in a Thai restaurant at a "7" means its going to burn the ever living hell out of your mouth
So we part ways with Rick as we go back to the house to begin all the preparations for that evenings events. We get the back patio set up and Peter and I have some great conversations and good smokes while picking limes off the lime trees and loading up the cooler with adult beverages. Everyone begins to arrive and smokes are passed around, drinks are poured, food is served and the debauchery begins.
At this point I feel it necessary to point out that any specifics will have to be left out as what happens in San Diego apparently doesn't stay in San Diego but ends up on YouTube LOL. No in all seriousness a lot of fun was had last nite, many laughs shared, a few even shed tears (we were also watching the Pacquiao/DeLaHoya fight) and overall a GREAT time was had.
Breakfast is currently almost served at the Poon house so I will sign off now but will update you inmates on day 3, tomorrow morning.
Your friendly neighborhood XXX,
Dustin