There's no room for shame in Amsterdam. So, really, don't worry about keeping up.
All of us are novices at some point. Personally, I'm no where close to an expert compared to a lot of the folks here, I consider myself more of an enthusiast at this point.
Seriously, Gapie will probably smoke me under the table, but I will not be ashamed! (There will be no time for that, I will be on the floor under the table, stoned off my face
Hugo de Groot is a coffeeshop to the west of Paradox (probably only about 5-10 minute walk from there.) They have good weed, and on the 5th of every month a really good sale on their premium bud. There are more details about it on the coffeeshop review thread.