Welcome! To address a couple of your points in a non-sequential manner which may be objectionable to an engineer, I'll first say that there is no wrong way to smoke a pipe, assuming that you avoid smoking your tobacco while it's too wet or packing your pipe too tight or puffing so hard you burn your tongue (especially on relights). It's the kind of thing that is easy to do but hard to do well. You can learn to do it in a few days, and then keep refining your technique for many years. I believe I've been smoking a pipe for about seven or eight years now, and I'm still constantly refining my technique. Most of the variables are in the amount of drying of the tobacco and firmness of packing. It's all experimentation to see what works for you.
I must also say that I'm very curious about your experience learning to enjoy the simple pleasures in England and France. Your statement conjures up thoughts of pipes and books in an old countryside cottage with a couple pints or drams, or even at a cafe in town, and thumbing your nose at us always-in-a-hurry Americans
I spent one summer month in Leipzig, Germany years ago, plus a shorter stay in Amsterdam, and I must say I admire the European pace of living. I very much came to appreciate that everything is closed on Sundays, and you basically have to stay home. I still think of that often. Anyhow, I look forward to anything you'd care to share about those experiences.
