As far as pipesmoking goes, I started in about 1986 as my favourite non-filter virginia cigarettes were no longer available.
From the beginning I always like the more British tobaccos, and smaller pipes. Living near the border of Germany, I had however to accept the German 'addiction' to 9mm filter pipes. I got over it, smoking without filter.

I regularly enter into competitions in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. As my smoking time is about 1 hour, I never get to the rostrum, but participating is always great fun. If possible, I attend the European and World championships as well. Perhaps we will meet in Trveiso, Italy this year.

Happy puffing,
Jean.