Many college students, myself included, often under appreciate the taste of a fine cigar.  It can be an incredibly satisfying and relaxing time to reflect on or celebrate something.  The topic of my new blog is directly inspired by the tasty “Romeo No. 1″ by Romeo y Julieta.

First, allow me to set the stage.  A cold winter night in Michigan, shocking right?  My roommates and I are huddled around the big screen in our apartment watching the Red Wings play the Ducks.  I was able to find complete relaxation, almost a meditative state, despite the shouts at the TV and the dogs playing tag at our feet.

One of my roommates had acquired some cigars as a gift from his dad, and kindly offered me one.  To my great delight, the tube which mine was contained read “Hecho en Cuba.”  (To anyone who hasn’t taken a Spanish class in grade school or can’t figure this one out, that means ‘Made in Cuba.’)  Anyway, up to this point smoking cigars was just a small hobby of mine passed on to me by my father.  Well, before I had even finished that delicious cigar, my interest in fine cigars had grown tenfold.

I’d indulged in one or two ‘Cubans’ before, and a handful of expensive cigars in the past, but nothing like this one.  I think I had to first develop an appreciation for the art of creating a flavorful blend of tobacco into a true masterpiece.  And when I mention flavor, I’m not talking about Strawberry, Lemon/Lime, or ribbed “for her pleasure.” No, I mean a smooth, woodsy, fine blend of flavors all rolled into one.

Don’t make me out to be some cigar aficionado, yet at least.  My last visit to a cigar shop, (Goodfella’s Cigars in Rochester Hills, MI), I had picked up a free publication on cigars that I have since browsed through.  I think a little research on the topic gives a much deeper appreciation to a subject, which is almost always the case.

My path to enlightenment ended with “The Wizard of Oz,” Chris Osgood of the Red Wings, making a few great saves to finish off a solid victory almost simultaneously with the end of the cigar right down to the band.

So let me leave you with this advice:  A little bit of reading and research can make things in your life much more enjoyable. And of course, if you ever get the chance, smoke a Cuban cigar! (With now official President Obama in office extending his peace offering to all foreign nations, you just might…) Until next time- as they say in Cuba, Buen Apetito.