Do you remember when it all started for you?

[Blueface]

Seems like so many, many years ago now as in fact, it is many, many years ago.
However, I vividly recall how I stumbled on my first true cigar smoking experiences.
I was at a conference with a friend nearly 20 years ago.
We were staying at the Ritz Carlton in Naples Florida.
We were looking for a place to hang out and have a drink and smoke the very, very expensive Davidoffs we bought at the hotel.
The next day, I felt so sick I still vividly remember the feeling.
It was my first cigar ever!!!

On the way home, I picked up a Davidoff for my long time, Cuban smoking, custom rolled cigars, dad. I brought it to him like I was giving him the greatest thing on the face of this earth. After all, back then, I think I paid in the area of $18 for that cigar.

My dad smoked it. Made some faces along the way but I could see he was trying to be courteous. When he was done, he went to his car, came back to my house, handed me a Padron Londres and then told me to now smoke that and see what a real cigar was like.

I have to admit, ever since then, I was hooked on cigars and hooked on Padron. Don't know why, but this memory just came to mind. I guess I was thinking about my dad, his age, being sick, all his friends now gone and realized, soon, this may be one of the only things I will have to remember.

Do you recall your first true experience?