Subtle plumes touch my soul with their gentle rhythm, Rising elusively
into the air where their dance evaporates, Leaving in their graceful
wake an ever-poignant memory.
On a recent stay in Havana, Christian Bousidan, co-creator of the Nejma
perfume brand and great lover of cigars and rum, experienced a magical
moment that transcended time; a moment so indefinable and unique that he
wanted to share it with others, but could not find the words to do
so...
If words are not enough, fragrance must rise to the challenge. This
unique feeling has been transformed into a perfume that takes us to
another place, another time, like an epic novel.
Seated by the Malecón on the terrace of Havana’s Grand Hotel Nacional de
Cuba, a Partagas Cigar in one hand and a glass of 7-year-old Matusalem
in the other, listening to the sounds of Trova played on an old
gramophone by the Buena Vista Social Club, a unique and magical moment
was born and time stood still...
Looking out to sea, you can almost see Hemingway in the distance on “El
Pilar”, navigating the waters of the Gulf Stream, perhaps in search of
his Old Man. Relaxing comfortably back into aged leather, gazing out
this vast expanse of water, the scent of sea spray mingles with flowers
and spices, demanding to be noticed. So far, and yet, so near.
If the cigar is Cuba’s perfume, old rum is its taste; a unique
combination of sensual and ephemeral pleasure – almost an act of
kindness. A magical moment, which, like Proust’s Madeleine, transports
those fortunate enough to experience these pleasures to another time -
to the Havana of a bygone era.
