Embargoes are Stupid

As we went out last night to celebrate my housemate Sara's 20th birthday and had dinner at Five Flies in Cape Town, the time eventually came for dessert. In lieu of any of the tasty items on the dessert menu (the chocolate fondant sounded sublime), I decided to enjoy a glass of Jameson on the rocks, and a Cuban cigar. And not just any cigar mind you, oh no, I smoked an H. Upmann, just like President Kennedy.

For thsoe who don't know the story, one night the President called Pierre Salinger into the Oval Office and asked a favor of his loyal press secretary. His task for the evening was to go out into Washington and buy 1000 Petite Upmanns. Salinger returned in the morning after an all-night search with 1200. When he told the President of his finding, Kennedy reached into his desk and pulled out one sheet of paper and signed it. With that stroke of the pen, and for every day since, Americans have been forbidden from purchasing anything manufactured on the island nation, including their heavenly hand-rolled cigars.

While that embargo lasts to this day, in South Africa, no such restrictions exist. And thus, I walked to the bar yesterday evening, struck a match, and lit an Upmann, just as President Kennedy had done many times in the past and sat with Jason and Matt as we discussed cigars, Cuba, and life in general.

Best 110 rands I ever spent.