Chief Chucky?

Above, my cigar store Indian. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Maybe I'll start calling my cigar store Indian "Chief Chucky" since he looks like New York Senator Chuck Schumer to me, particularly during his response with Nancy Pelosi to President Trump's State of the Union address this year.

Above, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi during their SOTU response.

Cigar City USA and El Meson de Pepe Bar

Above, Mark Cesani and his Cigar City USA Indian. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in Key West, Florida last week, I stopped at the Cigar City USA store to get a couple of cigars.

During my time at the store, I had a lengthy conversation with manager Mark Cesani about cigars and cigar store Indians. His Indian caught my attention as it was about five feet tall. He said he paid $3,000 for it. He isn't worried about anyone stealing it as it is quite heavy. It stands at the entrance to his store from the El Meson de Pepe restaurant and bar.

I showed him photos of my cigar store Indian and he said I got a good deal for mine.

He had a good selection of cigars and I found his prices to be reasonable.

Above, the El Meson de Pepe bar. Yes, one can smoke cigars at this bar! Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following our visit, I headed to the El Meson de Pepe bar for some margaritas and to smoke one of the cigars I bought at Cigar City USA. Since the Key West area is considered to be Jimmy Buffett territory, I thought having a couple of margaritas would be appropriate. Buffett has recorded at a small studio near the marina.

Above, one of Key West's inhabitants wandering around the El Meson de Pepe restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Throughout Key West, there are chickens running loose everywhere, and that included this restaurant. El Meson de Pepe serves Cuban cuisine.

After my cigar and margarita break, I did some more wandering around.

Cuba Cruise Done

Above, yours truly after we arrived in Havana Harbor.

The cruise is now over. We got back to Fort Lauderdale this morning after sailing all the way from Havana, Cuba.

The only photos I can post at present are ones from my cell phone. For some odd reason, I didn't pack the cable that transfers photos from my Canon camera to the computer.

My initial impressions.

Above, Cigar City USA in Key West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Key West was a fun place. I enjoyed wandering around the town and had a great conversation on cigars and cigar store Indians with Mark Cesani, manager of Cigar City USA. Then, next door to Cigar City, I had a couple of margaritas at the El Meson de Pepe. Cesani said I got a good deal ($450) on my cigar store Indian. His cost $3,000.

I did take a tour of the Hemingway Home and the Shipwreck Museum while in Key West.

Above, your truly at the El Meson de
Pepe restaurant and bar in Key West.

The next day we headed off to Havana, Cuba. I was not surprised to see a drab place. The buildings in the city don't look like they've been cleaned, painted or had any kind of maintenance for years. Our tour guide said that they haven't been maintained really since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the "money spigot" to Cuba dried up.

Above, the package containing 6 Montecristo No. 2 cigars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the bottle of Cuban rum I bought. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was interesting seeing the old 1950s cars on the streets, many of which I haven't seen since I was a kid.

We did stop at the El Morro Castle to do some cigar and run shopping before heading to a flea market and our ship.

Above, one of the nightly entertainers by the glass elevators. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Cuban people were nice and friendly towards us, which is not surprising since our beef is with their communist government and not with them.

Majesty of the Seas, our cruise ship of Royal Caribbean, was a decent and comfortable ship. It is about 28 years old. The staff were quite friendly and efficient. The food was excellent and we had some good entertainment. I would take another cruise with them again.

Above, the grand finale to last night's show in the ship's theater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finally Found One!

Above, the wooden carved Indian. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was a corner in my living room that cried out for something to fill the space.

For the past several months, I had been looking for a carved wooden Indian (commonly known as a "cigar store Indian") that would be perfect for the spot. Up to now, they were either too expensive or, if more reasonably priced, the shipping cost was prohibitive.

However, I found one locally at a Navajo-operated store and it was at a reasonable price.

Above, the perfect location for it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.