Saturday, June 9, 2012

250 years since the English landed in Cuba

On the 6th June 1762 an English expeditionary force started landing troops in Cuba. The force under the command of the Earl of Albermarle had left Portsmouth in March with the aim of capturing Havana which had been held by the Spanish for over 200 years and was their main 'hub' for transport and treasures from South America. Havana was considered to be impregnable.

The English force was made up of five warships and thirty transport ships carrying some 4,000 battle hardened troops. The first group of English forces set foot on Cuban soil on the 6th June at the mouth of the Cojimar river five miles to the east of Havana.

To read the full account of the English Campaign in Cuba and the history of the Island of Wonder from that day to the revolution I recommend you read Cuba a History by Hugh Thomas published by Penguin.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

What do you do with your old cigar boxes?

Edward Sahakian of Davidoff London
If you are a regular cigar smoker you will have the problem of what to do with your empty cigar boxes. Once you have filled your shed and offices with boxes what else can you do?
Imagine if you were a cigar retailer selling huge quantities of cigars every year, then you would have a real challenge.
Edward Sahakian of Davidoff London has teamed up with a woodworking craftsman to produce some amazing electric cigar box guitars. Edwards son Eddie loved the guitars so much he bought one and is currently learning to play. The guitar that Edward is holding is made from a classic old Partagas box. In the window of Edward's London store I have recently seen some fantastic guitars made from Cohiba Behike boxed. The black varnished boxes look amazing. Pop in and see his latest guitars.  Visit Davidoff London on the Cuban Cigar Walk London.