I wasn't planning to buy anything at the festival, many of the sticks in the gift bag are new. The real positive was visiting the shop "El Cubano" in Texas City, had a Dominican hand rolled there in Texas City. It was an incredible experience. I plan to buy these in the future, after the buying freeze is over. Yes the vendors were easy and ready to speak with everyone. They were trying to sell product, and if I were in a buying position I am sure they would have been even more friendly.
The two BIG pluses' to my trip, was spending time with Phil, and finally visiting "El Cubano" and the biggest was getting away from and decompressing from all of the "STUFF" going on here at home.
Note: Phil and I have been friends since grade school, and have that connection that you can talk about anything and everything, with complete freedom, and without worrying about fear of being ostracized or rejected.