... following a nice warm in Double Reggae followed by a few pots of ale in nearby Stoute Bar (I think) it is time to take a steady stroll back into the centre nearer base camp. Cut through the alleys and onto Damrak again, careful of those sneak-up-on-ya trams mind, and head past the moorings for the canal cruise boats and turn towards the big multistorey Grasshopper Coffeeshop.
Must say it looks well at night with the illuminated window canopies and lighting, won't be going in though. Turning a quick right down the back street and halfway down on the left is the bright green and orange sign for Coffeeshop Babylon. As I get nearer I can see it is closed, not been here before so thought I would give it a try, I assume it is actually operational but just closed this evening, maybe another time then, but possibly not missing much anyway.
Light on but nobody in
so back up the street and hang a quick right, then a right at Baba Coffeeshop then into view across Warmoestraat is Sheeba Coffeeshop. Once upon a time this was a favourite of mine and did great muffins and brownies, over the last few years I have noticed a decline all round but going to give it a go again.
The shop still looks the same from the outside and the lights draw me in and this is what happened.
First job is to get some cakes for a friend and his lady, at the coffee and cakes bit I asked the young lady about the sweet stuff and how strong they are. The muffins were apparently 'not very strong' so bought 2 each for both of my friends on the proviso they had one and then waited an hour before having the other (they are canna virgin so being cautious here)
The girl was certainly not exagerating, in fact my friends ate both and felt no effects at all, so over 20Euros spent for nowt
so be warned don't waste your money in Sheeba for buns!
.. so over to the bud counter to see what's going on.
I know this guy a bit from over the years and he is OK, I view the menu and then have a chat with him.
As I am on the hoof I decide to buy some hash, checked one or two tubs and chose some very tasty oily Nepalese price maybe 13E / g can't be sure and on the assumption it was the same stuff a pre-rolled Nepalese strong hash/tobacco mix joint for 7.5E to walk with.
Before wandering off and following a quick and 'crunchy' roll of the spliff between finger and thumb, I asked him about the pre-rolled joint as to it's age and contents. Immediately I knew by his vague response that it could have been sitting around a while, so when I pressed him further accompanied by a meaningful stare he offered me my money back which is fair enough - so dodge or at least check first the pre-rolls at Sheeba.
Not all bad though, the very good news is that the Nepalese hash was excellent
and the coffee is great too.
As a place I used to have an affection for I was more disappointed but there you go, it's moved down my list now and off to pastures new.
Here's a pic.
so off for a walk and a beer, a quick right again up the street passing Baba Headshop (there's a sale on right now if you are in town) and another right passing along until I reach Cafe Corso on the corner for a beer and rest room moment.
Tidy (non-smoking) bar on the edge of the RLD, very clean, music, lights, big Screens, nice selection of drinks and the best Men's Room ever in all the bars - Hot Tip - almost 5 Star hotel standard, if your fussy then this is the place and worth paying for a drink to use it.
Necked a small beer and then onwards, going to head down to the quiet Basjoe area via the RLD to see if there are any signs of life.
The RLD is quite busy and there are lots of things to see and do
Errrm I'll get back later.
Cheers,
RTnB
First visit October 1976 last visit still to come ....
the choice of veg is quite small but there is always something decent to sample at fair prices - a fifteen minute drop in won't do any harm.
) I have a go on an automatic setting that doesn't flash and point at the target, click, looks a bit dim but gives a great and accurate representation of the mood.
)
