Sparking Up Controversy!

Yes I’m talking about smoking…

Like it or not, people enjoy smoking…

Whether that be a cigarette, pipe, cigar, or, the latest trend, the  e-cigarette.  Its a very emotive topic, and everyone has an opinion.

Being an ex-smoker, I have to admit the cravings never completely go.  There are times, in a social situation, when people are sparking up around me, the wine is flowing, music is playing in the background, that there is a temptation to have a couple of puffs…..which can be very hard to resist…

My husband and I will  be travelling with P&O on the Ventura soon, to celebrate our wedding anniversary cruising round the Med.

He’s a smoker, and was most put out when I told him that he would no longer be allowed to smoke on the Balcony of his cabin. In fact I’m sure I saw a glint of panic in his eyes at the mere thought of not being able to spark up for a whole week!

He calmed down when I reminded him that there were still places on board where he will be able to enjoy a cigarette with his glass of wine, albeit in  a designated area.

I tried to placate him with the compromise of taking an e-cigarette, for when we are in our cabin, but he’s not happy. Not happy at all….

He started reminiscing about the ‘good old days’ when we could openly smoke on a plane!  OMG! Can you imagine?  It was very much the norm ‘back then’, to smoke in public places without guilt.  Smoking on the bus, train, at work!

You see, unless you are, or have been a smoker, you have no idea of the sense of loss you feel at not having the freedom  to light up whenever the cravings appear.

Now that the shoe is on the other foot, and I no longer smoke, I love to be able to travel in public and not have to breathe in other peoples smoke, and am very much in favour of having designated areas separate from non smokers, so both parties can enjoy their holiday time.

Quite apart from the health issues, the risk of fire  from a casually flicked cigarette butt is all to0 real.  You only have to read the papers to know how frequent these incidents happen.

There is a compromise however, to keep both sides happy, although there does seem to be some confusion as to the health issues of an e-cigarette.   So the debate continues……

Written by:  Gina