If Amsterdam closed its coffeeshops, would you still go?

[HasjDreamer]

Jeez guys, I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed in all of the "no" responses. Of course, who am I to judge but the weed brought me to Amsterdam but everything else is prompting my move over there to stay.

I understand the "it's too expensive" and the "not as much" comments but the canals, architecture, broodjes, heinekens, street markets, bicycles, scooters, little cars and THE PEOPLE (tough nuts to crack but you're rewarded with a warm center!) are all a part of me now. 10 trips in and I'm hooked on more than the coffeeshops.

My mom once mentioned "why not try out Vancouver?" (yeah, my Mom and Dad are pretty cool!) and I tried to tell her "there may be weed - and BETTER weed at that but it's not Amsterdam".

Jamaica? Give me a break. You have to hide out in a gated community with a bunch of tourists hanging on the beach. What's that Clash song, "Safe European Home"? I mean sitting on the beach all day EVERY day for a week? I can frolic in the water for so long...

Amsterdam will ALWAYS have weed and hasj. The have a HUGE Moroccan population that will always provide tasty chunks for the curious tourist. Sure, I may have to venture into the Biljmer neighborhood but whatever. Like others have said, score and head to the park (or the apartment...it's not like we've all not smoked throughout the world on holiday!). And you've still got the people, the parks, the broodjes, the ATTITUDE. And we ALL have our coffeeshop buddies and connections, you don't think they wouldn't simply go underground to sell? It would take a political turn around of Nazi proportion to flush the "tolerance" reputation of the Netherlands down the toilet.

[DazedandConfusedinOR]

I've always maintained there is much more to Amsterdam than weed, but I've been there twice now and although I love the history and culture of the city I doubt I would go just for that.

I'd probably start going to Jamaica. Ridiculously cheap ganja and RT flights from PDX for around $500 with a beachside bungalow for around the same or less during the offseason.

Hey Dazed! Nice to see yer back. Hope you had a fab time in Mokum. Any chance you'll be recounting yer adventures? Or is it one giant blur?

Pretty much a blur. I meant to take notes, but truth be told I stopped doing so after day 3. I managed to get lost several times in spite of my advance planning. On the other hand, I did visit a shit-load of coffeeshops. I'd have to say one of my favorites was Paradox. Also rented a bike and made it all the way out to the Loft coffeeshop (near Erasmus park). Took a bunch of pictures as well and also managed daytrips to Zandvoort and Utrecht. One of these days I'll post some pics!

[ftcarer]

I've always maintained there is much more to Amsterdam than weed, but I've been there twice now and although I love the history and culture of the city I doubt I would go just for that.

I'd probably start going to Jamaica. Ridiculously cheap ganja and RT flights from PDX for around $500 with a beachside bungalow for around the same or less during the offseason.

Hey Dazed! Nice to see yer back. Hope you had a fab time in Mokum. Any chance you'll be recounting yer adventures? Or is it one giant blur?

Pretty much a blur. I meant to take notes, but truth be told I stopped doing so after day 3. I managed to get lost several times in spite of my advance planning. On the other hand, I did visit a shit-load of coffeeshops. I'd have to say one of my favorites was Paradox. Also rented a bike and made it all the way out to the Loft coffeeshop (near Erasmus park). Took a bunch of pictures as well and also managed daytrips to Zandvoort and Utrecht. One of these days I'll post some pics!

Hi mate , what did you think of Loft ? I was there last year & really liked it , nice place , 2 friendly helpful budladys . Did you go into the park atall? Lovely place for a quiet, chilled smoke

[Drugsbunny]

Yes, I would still go, I love the Netherlands.
The country has more to offer than just drugs, I love he ambience, the people and general setting, architecture is great and I get peace of mind just walking by the canals.

I live only 20 mins away from the beach in south UK, so if i want a beach holiday I can just stay at home and smoke my head off on my homegrown.




Db

[DazedandConfusedinOR]

Hi mate , what did you think of Loft ? I was there last year & really liked it , nice place , 2 friendly helpful budladys . Did you go into the park atall? Lovely place for a quiet, chilled smoke

I really enjoyed the Loft. It's pretty far out so I don't think a lot of tourists go there...it had the feel of a locals place. Can't remember what I bought though! White Widow maybe?? Nothing fancy. There was a really cool budgirl there with freaky blonde hair. Very nice though. Didn't go to the park although I rode my bike around the neighborhood a little.



However, I did NOT like this place:



It was just a couple blocks down from the Loft and I was taking a picture from my bike when a little Moroccan guy came out and started yelling at me for taking a picture! I thought i was about to get jumped!!

[DazedandConfusedinOR]

Yes, I would still go, I love the Netherlands.
The country has more to offer than just drugs, I love he ambience, the people and general setting, architecture is great and I get peace of mind just walking by the canals.

I live only 20 mins away from the beach in south UK, so if i want a beach holiday I can just stay at home and smoke my head off on my homegrown.

Don't get me wrong; Amsterdam rocks. It's just very expensive to visit from the west coast of the US. I probably spent over $3K for my 2-week vacation including air, hotel, weed, food, etc. Imagine what I could have got in Cali for 3 grand! If I lived in the UK it would be a different story. I'd probably do a weekend trip every couple of months.

[Reefer Rogue]

I would have visited, but I wouldn't keep going back the way I do.

Maybe for the hos... lol

But if i had a gf at the time and they closed the CS i wouldn't go there, i'd put up with the stuff in the UK. They're not gonna close them in Amsterdam now. Once you open Pandora's box there's no closing it.

[Jesscass]

Strictly no as I go(Amsterdam/rest of the Netherlands) mainly because of the selection there(especially hash). Sad but true

Interesting question, thank you .

[la2019]

It'd just be too painful! I'd walk by all of the great places and sites, but then I'd say..."Man, that's where Bluebird used to be..." and I'd be depressed. Even when I go next time, I probably will stop in to Coffeeshop Central, but it just won't be the same not being able to spark up inside.

[DC]

Probably not, the tourist industry here would suck and so would working in it, might aswell do that job somewhere near the beach.

[BIG POPPA PROPA]

It'd just be too painful! I'd walk by all of the great places and sites, but then I'd say..."Man, that's where Bluebird used to be..." and I'd be depressed. Even when I go next time, I probably will stop in to Coffeeshop Central, but it just won't be the same not being able to spark up inside.

The thought of walking past any of the coffeeshops fills me with sadness if they were to close, EXCEPT LA CANNA!!!!