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Few individuals know the island nation of Cuba as does Nick Syris (see images at left). Nick is the brand owner of LH Premium Cigars. He also owns luxury Lavida Habana Cigar Lounges in the middle east and Europe. To procure cigars for his very exclusive clientele at these lounges, Nick has spent a great deal of time in Cuba. This sparked his passion for Cuban cigars, culture and his appreciation for the people. During his extensive travels, he has learned about tobacco and cigar making from Cuba's most knowledgable and influential growers and blenders. This knowledge was the impetus for him launching his LH Premium Cigars brand. 

Since 2009, Nick has traveled to Cuba on more than 50 occasions. He became one of the founding members of the first private social cigar clubs since the revolution. With more than 100 members from throughout the globe, the club boasts members  ranging from ambassadors from various embassies (including the US embassy) to key Cuban figures, basically a "who’s who" of the cigar industry in Havana. Nick achieved the designation of "Master” and is a graduate of the Habanos Academia. He is also a Certified Retail Tobacconist. Nick is one of the most knowledgeable people in the cigar industry and his experience traveling to Cuba is without equal. We are happy to have him providing his expertise as a correspondent/host on the Smooth Draws Radio Show. 

Nick Syris can be heard each week on the Smooth Draws Radio Show. Nick's Notebook is the first informational segment to air on radio that is geared towards the cigar enthusiast. These segments will provide the traveler to Cuba with a wealth of information, with topics ranging from: Legal issues involved in traveling to Cuba; Where to Stay; How to Get Around; Visiting Cigar Plantations and Factories; Where to Purchase Fresh Rolled Cigars by Master Rollers... among a host of other topics. We will compile each of Nick's Notebook segments below for you to reference at any time. 

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #1

Historical information regarding why travel to Cuba has been prohibited  ● Can U.S. citizens legally travel to Cuba now? ● Just who is authorized to travel to Cuba? ● Discussion of tour operators in Cuba.

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #1 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #2

Visit Cuba legally, but don't call it a tour!  ● With relaxed regulations, U.S. citizens can legally travel to Cuba now. Local contact who conducts "Cigar Research" visits.

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #2 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #3

Booking a trip to Cuba - Private tour or on  your own. ● How to fly to Cuba. Can you use U.S. currency while visiting Cuba? And what about credit cards?

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #3 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #4

The President is in Cuba now! ● New laws regarding the

purchase of Cuban cigars. Is it now legal to freely travel to Cuba?

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #4 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #5

Legally traveling to Cuba - Review. ● Flight options to Cuba - Can Book on the Internet. ● Arrival in Havana - What Happens When You Get There?

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #5 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #6

Legally traveling to Cuba - Review. ● Arrival in Havana - What Happens? ● Exchanging Money in Cuba ● Taxi's Versus Private Drivers

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #6 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #7

Legally traveling to Cuba - Review. ● Where to Stay in Cuba - Hotels or Private Houses? ● Must Have's for Your Stay in Cuba

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #7 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #8

Some believe we should not be visiting Cuba and supporting the current regime. ● Nick Syris counters by expressing his desire to interact, support and educate the regular Cuban citizen - and he says it's working!

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #8 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #9

What are the two most commen concerns Nick hears from those desiring to visit Cuba - Safety and Cuban Government? 

● Overview of just what you should keep in mind about infrastructure and conveniences.

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #9 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #10

Tips on what cigar factoris are available to US citizens when you visit Cuba. ● What occurs on a government operated factory tour in Cuba..

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #10 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #11

Tips on where to purchase authentic Cuban cigars in Havanasit Cuba. ● Think outside the box and try some of the cigars rolled by the Ambassadors at the hotels.  ● Nick's recommendation of where to smoke that first night in Cuba!

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #11 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #12

Nick and the Smooth Draws staff are hosting a trip to Cuba. ● Things to expect on the trip. ● Find out more information at the Hosted Trips to Cuba tab above.

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #12 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #13

Nick discusses why Classic american automobiles are so prevalent in Cuba. ● Why you must drive around in one of these restored Classics when in Cuba!

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #13 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #14

Nick discusses very interesting things to do while walking around in Havana. ● Information on our special hosted trip to Cuba in August!

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY 14 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #15

Nick discussed a behind the scenes look at Cubas's famous Casa del Habanos Shops and Lounges.  ● What will you discover at the Casa del Habanos Shops?

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY 15 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #16

Nick discusses how the tourist industry is booking in Cuba. ● Cuban citizens are going into private business in increasing numbers! ● More and more Americans are traveling to Cuba.

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY 16 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #17

Nick discusses whas he perceives as diminishing availability of cigars in Havana. ● Presiden Obama issues executive order allowing American citizens to bring unlimited cigars to US.

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY 17 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #18

Nick discusses the passing of Fidel Castro. ● How Fidel Castro was perceived by other countries. ● Some comments about Cuba - American relations when Trump is president.

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY 18 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #19

Nick discusses how the Cuban cigar industry will stack up to other countries once free trade is available. ● Nick challenges the notion that all Cuban cigars taste alike. 

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY 19 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #20

Nick discusses how Cuba reacted immediately following hte passing of Fidel Castro. ● This festive country became somber as they mourn their former president!

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - 20 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #21

Nick offers his opinion on what might happen with Cuba - American business opportunities when President-elect Trump takes office. ● Does the Cuban governmen actually want an open relationship with the US?

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY 21 -
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NICK'S NOTEBOOK

A Cigar Connoisseur's Guide to Cuba Travel

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY #22

Nick offers his perespecitve on Cuba post Hurricane Irma ● What Happened to the Infrastructure? Nick discusses the unusual acoustic attacks.

NICK'S NOTEBOOK - ENTRY 22 -
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