Forums are just more... I mean this particular forum is just the best way to discuss tobaccos and other pipe related matters. Mostly because certain things are not allowed that get in the way of discussion.
I have a great story about going to Tucson for my first gem show. I took cigars, and smoked one that first evening, and being from Alabama, land of 90% humidity, I was unaware of what no humidity would do to me. I awoke that first night unable to breath, with a burning sensation in my throat. I was gasping, choking, crawling to the sink, thinking that I had throat cancer or worse. I drank and drank and drank water right out of the tap. I was praying off cigars, “if only God would give me one more day to live.” It hurt. I was crying... dry tears. It was horrible. I couldn’t talk. I just wanted to tell my girlfriend that I loved her one last time.
Then she woke up... gasping too. She was reacting the same as me. My thoughts were, “thank God.” It wasn’t just me. When we could finally speak, in raspy quiet voices, we wondered whether there was a mustard gas leak somewhere.
We went to the first pharmacy, and asked... they told us that it was the lack of humidity. So, we spent $150 for a $20 humidifier. Way over priced. We breathed in the steam for hours, till we were normal... somewhat.
Now, when we travel out west, we take several humidifiers with us. It’s horrible. I can’t imagine living that way. I would need a steam suit to stay normal, like some sort of weird super villain.