Azerbaijani Slims

There is a common trend among the smokers here in Azerbaijan that I find interesting.  I’m not sure what the motivation is, and maybe when I have the language skills I’ll ask, but there is an amazing proliferation of slims, the cigarette that in the U.S. is marketed to women.  This is particularly noticeable in a country where women don’t smoke.  Apparently, Azerbaijani men are fans of the slim cigarettes.  It gives them a remarkable femininity, in my opinion.  While my host dad smokes regulars, his best friend, Ibrahim, goes for the slims.  And it’s always peculiar to see his toughened, mechanic’s hands pull up a thin, feminine cigarette.