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Why The Name? July 20th, 2009

I live in Trinidad and Tobago, the most southernly island in the Caribbean with a population of about 1.4 million people.

There probably are not more than a dozen or so pipe smokers, and the knowledge of pipes and tobaccos is extremely limited.

The few people that sell pipes and tobaccos, know nothing about them.

For example
1) They buy basket pipes, call them high grade and sell them for around US$100. I think the arrive at the price based on the amount of Very Conspicuous Fills. About $10 per fill
2) They think Captain Black and Borkum Riff are the best. These sell for over US$10.00 per 1.5 ounce pack. And even this has problems for pipe smokers as they are often out of stock for 3 to 6 months.

I was lucky that my father was a pipe smoker and knew something about Pipes and Tobaccos. His favorite tobacco was Copes Escudo, so he was at least more informed than the other philistines.

I was also lucky that I lived in LA / Hollywood area for a year, and I became friendly with Jerry Lustig, who taught me a lot and Introduced me to more knowledge people at the South West Pipe and Cigar Club (Joel Farr, Steve Johnson) who were a wealth of knowledge.

Unfortunately, I now live back amongst the heathens, and I do my best to educate the few. But when I talk about P&T, I can see the look of “Lets humor him” on their faces.

Thankfully, I have the Internet for ordering P&T, and other sources of information such as P&T Magazine.

I came across this site about 2 weeks ago and thought, it would be a great avenue to make some P&T friends, and get some invaluable knowledge from people like yourselves.

“No actually that a lie, I just come here to look at the pipe smoking babes”

But as the new boy on the block, I’ll be pestering you good folks with lots of questions.

John

8 Responses to “Why The Name?”

Kevin said:

Hey John, that’s a great first post. I was thinking it must be real cool to live in Trinidad and Tobago. Two places at once! Cool!

Just kidding.

The no clue about pipes and tobaccos there sucks though.

Thank God for the Internet!

July 21st, 2009 at 5:21 pm
python said:

Great post John!

Glad to see that you got your blog going.
Maybe the reason that there are not more pipers where you are is that they are charging $100US for basket pipes, lol.

July 21st, 2009 at 8:19 pm
mate said:

Kevin,

Well when you think of it you live in USA, which comprises of mainland, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and probably a host of other places I am not even aware of.

So while my SPLIT PERSONALITY is just two, You must really be confused………………..LOL

And remember

1) Tobacco is derived from the name Tobago, the name that the Amerindians gave the twisted tobacco leafs that they smoked

2) Apparently the seeds that were used to start the tobacco industry in Vagina originated in Trinidad

SO BE RESPECTFUL NOW

Thanks for all the help John

July 21st, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Kevin said:

Ok, I am coming to Trinidad to smoke!

After that, we’re going to Tobago.

July 21st, 2009 at 8:48 pm
mate said:

You wont like Tobago, there is nothing to do there but walk on unspoiled beaches, read, eat fresh fish and fruit, Bird Watch, ScubaDive, Snorkel or look at scantily clad women.

Who in their right mind would want to spend time in a place like that?

July 21st, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Kevin said:

I’m getting on the plane now. What time’s dinner? Can we have curry chicken and roti?

Seriously though, I wouldn’t mind visiting some day.

You are welcome to visit here anytime. Where I live in downtown St. Petersburg Fl isn’t so bad.

Here’s some views from my balcony.

http://pipesmagazine.com/balcony/balcony-01.jpg
http://pipesmagazine.com/balcony/balcony-03.jpg
http://pipesmagazine.com/balcony/balcony-05.jpg

July 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
mate said:

I have to get into that Rum & Roti thing with you.

Re visit, that sounds good.

Its a reciprocal invitation, I always have room here for a fellow Pipe Smoker and Photographer

I live with wife and two very spoilt daughters (4 legged kind)

Did you ever have a look at this link

http://www.jpgmag.com/people/johngioannetti

July 22nd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Kevin said:

Wow, nice photos there John!

July 23rd, 2009 at 7:08 am

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8 Responses to “Why The Name?”

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