In part I'm seeking ideas, but I am also giving an idea (maybe two).
Let's set this up. I am currently in Bahrain, a Muslim country where alcohol is tightly controlled and supplies are hard to come by. Worse, I'm on a ship here, so it's impossible to actually brew. It means I'm stuck unable to brew and I can't get my hands on any craft beer (none at all out in town, the best I can do is Guinness or maybe Killkenny, otherwise it's some standard European or American golden lager). Needless to say, I'm suffering from hop withdrawal. I'm also suffering from hobby withdrawal, as, between brewing and researching my next brew, I was able to occupy several hours of my weeks. Being on a ship actually stationed in Bahrain (rather than one that deploys to here and is underway and busy most of the time), I have some time on my hands that needs to be filled.
Enter pipe smoking. This has recently become the passion that fills the void left by brewing (don't get me wrong, I'm still passionate about brewing, but cannot act on it). It's a pastime that requires you to refine your technique for the best smoking experience, occupies an hour per bowlful of tobacco and allows you to hone your skill at flavor profiling. Anyone else an avid smoker?
Anyone else been faced with times they can't brew and need something to fill that time?