I can't think of a single country that hasn't had a culture of pipe smoking. Pipes have been around forever.
I love cigars but I'm about ready to try my hand at pipe smoking for the first time.
Can't wait.
When I get it I'll give it a go for a week and then give my honest thoughts.
@UncleIroh but it's not. you'll be constantly relighting that damn thing, fiddling with it and focus on it instead of anything else. hence it's not only a waste of time but stress-inducer, rather than reliever. but ymmv.