Tag: diary

Montecristo Petit Edmundo Cigar Review. Beirut, Lebanon.

Have a Cigar: Montecristo Petit Edmundo

Chris Khatsch2 Comments

Name: Montecristo Petit Edmundo

Country: Cuba

Shape: Parejo

Size: (4 1/3 inches x 52)

Strength: Medium to Full

Cuban cigars are not my favorite cigars, but I do acknowledge that whenever I smoke one I taste the reasons why so many people love them. The Montecristo Petit Edmundo is one of them.

When guests come over to spend time at my place, I like to make them drink and smoke. That is how all great philosophical and political conversations begin, I believe. And I like having meaningful conversations.

So I first ask them what they would like to drink. “Whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, or maybe a beer? What would you like? There’s wine, too.” Their initial answer is always either “No” or “I’ll have whatever you’re having.” But I know they are just being mannerly when they say such things. So I ask them again. “No, really. What would you like? Come see my whisky collection, and maybe then you can decide.”

When the spirits are finally poured into the glasses, I bring out my humidor, open it, place it on the table in front of them, and say, “Gentlemen, enjoy.” And I swear that every time at least one of them will go for a Montecristo Petit Edmundo.

September 23, 2021: Goodbye, Summer

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Strong winds today. Weather forecast says it will rain, and it looks like it will. The clouds hovering over the sea look furious, and they are coming my way.

I woke up with a hangover. I had my best friend over for BBQ last night. Him and his wife. Me and my wife. The women had white wine while we emptied a bottle of Cardhu 15. It was a great night. I smoked three cigars. On the menu we had grilled zucchinis and eggplants, marinated chicken breasts, merguez sausages, and pork chops. Good stuff. But heavy. Very heavy.

Right now, I’m happy I’m working from home. The headache I have is unbearable. My productivity level is low, though I’m still able to complete the more urgent tasks on my list. I’m managing, I guess. So far, so good. I have a few Zoom calls left. Once I’m done with those, I’ll be able to relax a little. But just a little. Later tonight, I’ll also be handing in a freelance project.

I want to spend some time with my wife, but it looks like I’ll be working until I sleep.

Anyway…

Goodbye, summer.

August 24, 2021: “Good Morning, Nightmare.”

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Good morning, nightmare.
Work begins in 30 minutes.

I’m in my flip-flops, standing near the stove, waiting for the water to boil.
I’m holding a mug that contains grains of instant coffee and sands of time.
A spoon leans idly in the mug.
When the time comes, it will stir up things.
But not now.

Work
from
home.

Work
starts
now.

Silent mode: off.
A big mistake.
I start receiving notifications.
“I am following up on…”
“I am waiting for the…”
“When will we be able to…”
“Can you please…”
“It’s urgent.”

I wish I could find a way out
of this dystopia.

Silent mode: on.
A bad idea.
But it will give me five minutes
to be myself.