When I bought my first 6 pipes (GBDs and Georg Jensens), there was no-one who could tell you, or maybe who bothered to tell you how to "break-in" your new pipe. The Tobacconist probably assumed I will do it right and eventually the cake / carbonised layer will be formed. Well, he was actually right. I (and all who I knew smoking a pipe at the time), was so excited with our new pipes, we just filled it to the rim, lit it and smoked. The first smoke, I went all the way to the ashes at the bottom; other times half way, lit again etc. But no special care was given to a "method". To be honest, I didn't even knew that it should not get too hot; I thought it was normal for a new pipe.

One of the most difficult thing for beginners, is to pack a pipe properly. I remember packing my pipes either to hard and could barely pull anything out of it (which still sometimes happen), or too light. Wrong packing of your pipe can result in a hot, tongue-biting smoke and is probably the reason for many to quit pipe smoking.

Another edition of who am I # 5 - my interest in food and cooking. I was privileged to be exposed to different culture's food and ways of cooking which spurred my interest.

Who I am # 4 focusses on another interest of mine, the tradition of Wine and Wine Making. Of course, this age-old product has developed in a highly professional and skilled profession. The art of blending wines does not necessarily follow a "recipe".

Another interest of mine is philosophy. From the second article, Who am I # 2, I mentioned how I like to think and challenge things. René Descartes was one of those philosophers who coaught my interest.

I've done a video on "who am I" some time ago and thought its time to update and make another "Who am I # 2" - sharing a bit more of my interests.