Q. I run a high-end eco-guesthouse in Africa. While I
can provide our guests with pretty much anything they want, the one area where we fall down is cigars. Our electricity is self-generated and frequent power cuts are the norm. This does not affect our other services but it means a humidor is out of the question. The whole purpose of our eco-retreat is to promote relaxation, yet as an occasional cigar smoker myself I know how irritable one can become if denied this fix. What do you suggest, Mary?
Name and address withheld A. Having first confounded expectations by saying you do not have a humidor, have the waiter trained to shimmy over and confide that he has his own private supply of cigars, one of which the guest could buy from him. In this way you will be able to provide the service, but not be responsible for the quality. A sense of relief — rather than dissatisfaction — will then be the overriding reaction of the guest.
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