I started a thread similar to this once before, but this incident justifies another thread, IMHO.

Touching story, and one of my best memories of the trip to VA and DC:

We here at Cigar Smokers are all used to gifts and packages of good health and wishes flying around, but I experienced true Brotherhood from someone I'd never met before (even on a BB) and will probably never hear of again. I went in to OVTC in Woodbridge to meet a member of another board to do a trade we had arranged. While we were sitting and smoking, a couple of other guys who frequent this shop were talking and were fascinated a Canadian would go "all the way" there to get smokes. I was talking about the prices and general unavailability of good N/Cs in this area and one retired (ex-USMC) gentleman took special interest in what I was saying. He seemed particurlarly interested in the fact I had to talk to the Manager of another OVTC in Richmond and almost beg him to sell me a couple of Opus X as a gift for the HERF Friday night (he ended up selling me a single Fuente Fuente for $8). After a few minutes, he went over to the Manager (Jeremy, great guy), took him to one side, chatted quietly for a minute and then went and sat back down. A few minutes later, Jeremy came and handed me a baggie containing 2 Opus. I looked at him kinda funny and asked what these were for. He waved his hand at the ex-Marine and said "Ask him". The guy said "A gift for my new Canadian friend, eh!!" To say the least, I was touched, right to the heart. I'm not ashamed to say I almost choked up. I couldn't thank the guy enough. What I am ashamed of is that I can't even remember the Marine's name!!! I have already contacted Jeremy and asked if I sent him a small ISOM Missile, would he pass it on to the generous BOTL. He told me he'd be glad to.

Between the Brotherhood I found at every shop I went into, and the Herf at Shelly's Friday night, I only wish I could justify a monthly trip.

OK, enough mushy shit for one night. I'm off to bed soon.