I've read the "first cigars" thread but what I want to know is how and why you guys and gals started smoking cigars. For me, it was the experience of watching an older fella enjoy one. There's a neighborhood coffee house(not Starbucks, arghh!) that I like to get my morning pick-me-up at. After getting my cup of joe and the newspaper, I sit outside of the cafe. Whilst enjoying the fine San Diego weather and contemplating life this older gentlemen sits down a few tables away, takes out his stogie, and proceeds with the ritual of lighting we're all familiar with: clipping the head, toasting the foot, and the first few light-up puffs. Anyways, through the long draws and clouds of smoke I'm thinking that this guy has got his act together. There's a certain aura, hard to explain, like all was good for the time being. That moment made quite an impact cause I went to the bookstore next door and got a few reading materials, "Idiots Guide to Cigars," "Smoke," and "CA." To end my story, I never knew the guy, didn't know what cigar he was enjoying, or what his thoughts were, it didn't matter. The outcome of the story is that I now experience my own cigar moments where others wonder. OK, I'm done sharing -K