loborugger
02-05-2006, 10:13 PM
So, I spent the last week on the lovely Carib Island of Curacao. For those who havent been, I recommend it. It is not over run with tourist stuff, say like its neighbor Aruba. The natives arent overly friendly and seem to be indifferent to tourist. Having been raised in a tourist town, I can appreciate their attitude. The diving is good, there is gambling if you are interested. The town has a real European flair - complete with a red light district (which my wife tells me that the great sleuth Dr Phil has placed as the residence of one Natalie Holloway). There is even a fair amount of South Asian influence there. It rarely rains. It is expensive, so save your nickles. Its not as bad, costwise, in the summer - but that is like taking a vacation in Phoenix in July.
Anyways, I am standing in the airport waiting for my flight when the duty free store catches my eye. I wander thru and see all kinds of stuff. I was tempted to pick up a liter of Gran Marnier, as it was about 15 US vs 50 to 60 here in the states... but I didnt wanna lug the damn bottle around. That, and I would feel compelled to save it for a special event.
Then I round a corner where there is a big humidor filled with cigars. And in the top corner is a box about 12 inches by 12 inches and three inches tall.... about 50 or so Cubans, I would guess. The price they were asking was about 125 US. Which got my deviant mind thinking. I dont personally smoke the things, but I was thinking "I bet I can resell these bad boys for a good profit if I could get them in the states." But, I didnt have any carry on to stash them in, and I dont need the hassle with Customs upon return. Besides, I work for Uncle Sam, and I know they frown upon one of their own violating the Cuban Embargo.
Which I guess brings me to my question. Are they, Cuban Cigars, that good? I know they are a novelty, and I figure there is so appeal just cuz they are illegal. I hear from friends that Costa Rican and Dominican Cigars are about as good. Is it worth the trouble of lugging a couple into the states to give to a friend for a special occasion? Of course, there were deals on Nicaraguan, Dominican, Costa Rican, and other Cigars (which are all legal). Just curious.
Got the smugglers blues!!!
Anyways, I am standing in the airport waiting for my flight when the duty free store catches my eye. I wander thru and see all kinds of stuff. I was tempted to pick up a liter of Gran Marnier, as it was about 15 US vs 50 to 60 here in the states... but I didnt wanna lug the damn bottle around. That, and I would feel compelled to save it for a special event.
Then I round a corner where there is a big humidor filled with cigars. And in the top corner is a box about 12 inches by 12 inches and three inches tall.... about 50 or so Cubans, I would guess. The price they were asking was about 125 US. Which got my deviant mind thinking. I dont personally smoke the things, but I was thinking "I bet I can resell these bad boys for a good profit if I could get them in the states." But, I didnt have any carry on to stash them in, and I dont need the hassle with Customs upon return. Besides, I work for Uncle Sam, and I know they frown upon one of their own violating the Cuban Embargo.
Which I guess brings me to my question. Are they, Cuban Cigars, that good? I know they are a novelty, and I figure there is so appeal just cuz they are illegal. I hear from friends that Costa Rican and Dominican Cigars are about as good. Is it worth the trouble of lugging a couple into the states to give to a friend for a special occasion? Of course, there were deals on Nicaraguan, Dominican, Costa Rican, and other Cigars (which are all legal). Just curious.
Got the smugglers blues!!!