I made my first trip to Amsterdam last Halloween and like many before fell in love instantly and before leaving vowed to return. I arranged to do this with a friend for what turned out to be a week of exceptional weather Monday through Saturday 22nd to 27th June.
We opted to rent an apartment and got a nice loft in the Oud West area on Bilderdijkstraat not far from Vondelpark through Craigslist. For transport we decided that the best option for us was Strippenkart rather than buy GVB Passes for each of us. This turned out to be a cheaper option and is worth considering if you are staying within the (huge) Centrum Zone.
I have to thank this forum for being such a great resource which helped me get the most from my holiday. Only too happy to add to the information available I will split my report into six days.
Monday
We arrived in Schipol and made our way to Centraal. It was hot and sunny so we fully laden made our way to Homegrown Fantasy. I had felt I was going to try their OG KushxHaze but when I saw the Sour Diesel at €10/g I had to get a bag and I’m glad I did. Coke and Looza in hand we sat at he back of the shop. I rolled a joint breaking the resinous bud with my fingers and the fragments stubbornly stuck to them. The flavour was massive and fruity, the high strong and chatty for me. Great stuff from HGF but fairly quickly we did have to leave to sort out the apartment.
Phew! Hot! Stoned! Backpacks! Albert Hejin, strippenkart, rolls. On the tram the city changes profile quickly. I spot coffeeshops and streets I recognise from Google Maps. Apartment was easy and were pleased and still high. We decided to get supplies. I had a plan.
We walked to the picturesque and lively Elandsgracht. After shopping in AH we dropped into the nearbv Coffeeshop Johnny. This small shop is tastefully decorated with a few barstools and an eternally closed upstairs area. The friendly female tender handed me the menu which was strong with choice. I already knew what I wanted thanks to the wonderful menu’s site and it was still available. I asked to see the Lavender, the tender handed me a fragrant box of dark coloured teardrop shaped buds, I bought two grams at €9/g The lavender was just what we need and back at the aparment we really enjoyed this floral tasting indica (with a touch of sativa) and we both individually decided to get more at some stage.
After smokes and eats we left and walked to Centrum. Walking through the Jordaan we ended up at Spui. We wandered around taking in the dam glad to be back and found many coffeshop's outdoor seating full. Eventually we found ourselves at Betty Boop purchasing one gram Chocolope at €12/g. With our hot chocolate, coffee and chocolope we sat outside in the warm air and lapped up the lively tourist vibes around us. The chocolope was honestly not the best quality I have had but the effect was still very pleasant indeed. Betty Boop's terrace was also very entertaining as a huge group of tourists joined us there and almost all of them had a pre-rolled each. After soaking up the atmosphere for some time tonight we were glad of an early one and retired about nine to some lavender.
Tuesday
On Tuesday about noon we rose and ventured to Leidseplein, once there we popped into Boom Chicago and were delighted to be able to sign up a St Nicolaas Boat Club Trip the next day at four. We explored the streets and canals again finding ourselves sitting at Spui tired and hungry. We quickly popped across Rokin to Nieuwe Dolenstraat and Café Kateon. At this friendly bar we had a nice tosti lunch and I vowed to return for an oxen hotdog but never made it.
Basjoe being just around the corner we decided to make that our next smoke stop. We strolled that way popping into the Oudmanhuispoort Book and Print Sale on the way. Basjoe is run by possibly the most relaxed tender we me, at first he could even seem a little rude or dismissive but no he is just totally chilled! Nice chap. From the menu I went for some Jack Herer and got two crystal covered grams at €8/g plus a coffee and a tea made an even twenty note. Plenty of seating inside and nice music but we had to sit in the sun out front and we did for a couple of good hours smoking a very nice example of a classy strain, watching the world bobbing by and chatting with the other friendly patrons of Basjoe. Come four o'clock were nice and baked by both sun and smoke so made our way through Nieuwmarkt along Zeedijk to Centraal and a tram home happy with our day in Basjoe a relaxed gem in the centre of town.
Summer Sun 22-27 June 09
Summer Sun 22-27 June 09
Last edited by colinzeal on Sat 4th Jul 2009 11:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Wednesday
Today we got a tram to Magna Plaza and explored the Nine Streets area. We soon found our destination the Brill Museum. This spectacle shop has two rickety floors devoted to the history of eye glasses from the strange beginnings to modern materials and indeed sunglasses and celebrity. It is a small but fun exhibit perhaps a little steep at €4.50 each but when on holiday one doesnt mind so much. Many exhibits are for sale in the downstairs shop where you could purchase Woody Allen's glasses or Lolita's heart-shaped shades.
We moved on stopping in the some more peculiar little shops and when we found ourselves on Prinsengracht La Tertuila seemed the logical choice and the outdoor seating along the sunny canal made the decision very easy indeed. It was lunchtime so we initially got some tostis and milkshakes then I perused the menu, quite the selection I have to say. I went for some John Sinclair since I had not had the pleasure before and for €12 we got a nice looking pre-bagged 0.9g. This smoked with a nice menthol hazey flavour, the high was impressively clear and happily uplifting, making it a strain I was delighted to have tried and one I will buy again in the future for further sampling. La Tertuila (and indeed the John Sinclair) proved to be perfect for a sunny lunch hour.
We were now close to home La Tertuila being just round the corner from Johnny so strolled on visiting the Looier Antique Market on the way which was a great place to bob and look around. At the apartment we made a picnic for the boat trip, packed some extra clothes and rolled a spliff. It was not long before we had to leave for Leidesplein and decided to use the tram. The tram within one stop broke down so we joined the locals in getting off and decided to walk.
As instructed by the instruction provided by the St Nicolaas Boat Club we arrived at Boom Chicago just before four o'clock, announced ourselves at the bar and purchased some cold drinks. Very soon we were meeting Captain Neil a friendly Canadian who congratulated everybody on not only choosing the best canal cruise in Amsterdam but also for choosing such a fabulous day. The group moved off once gathered and soon we were on a flat barge from the 1940s floating on the nearby Prinsengracht. I could write a lot about this canal trip but I will just say that it was so relaxed and peaceful on the water, we were free to smoke drink and eat as we pleased and although not a guided tour we saw so much of the city in our amazing one and a half hour journey, more than the rest of the week combined. The best way to see Amsterdam is by the water! Easier on the feet too! Seeing the people of Amsterdam on the canals was the best bit. People out on there boat as people go for a stroll or perhaps a drive, groups of teenage boys cruising around full of machismo in the heat show off, couples smoke joint in each others arms as the motor slowly along, some people have a garden party with cheese and crackers, others a barbecue in their mobile garden. Many are traveling somewhere it is clear but more still are not they are simply enjoying the freedom of the canals brings them, and they seem pleased to see us perhaps recognising the Boat Club boat and respecting their alternative to the oversized monsters clogging up the canals for the bulk of the tourists. The Boat Club are not licensed to charge but accept donations for upkeep and renovation of the boats. The suggestion was €10 per person and everybody there was more than happy to donate at least that amount to such a worthwhile pursuit. I cannot recommend this enough, do it if you are in Amsterdam even if you are alone! Remember to bring warm clothes it can be windy on the canal and for that reason roll your joints first. Bring a picnic and if possible a cushion
Easily the non weed highlight of the trip.
Sometime after our canal cruise we found ourselves at Bluebird and inside I choose So Gouda and for €12.50 received 1.3g. With a cup of darjeeling we entered the smoking room which was in fact very nice due to the open window. The So Gouda was tasty and the effects were nice and mellowing. Bluebird was a very busy shop and although I thought the menu was good with a few choices I would have gone for it did not strike as a place I would enjoy chilling in. After tea and a spliff of So Gouda we departed and strolled some more in the coolness as the sun was now far below the buildings in the narrow streets.
We later found ourselves in Dutch Flowers where as always during our trip the terraced seating was full. Inside we got some drinks but didn't buy anything from the menu as we wanted to remain on the pleasant So Gouda buzz. Dutch Flowers was lively as I had found before but its definitely a place I like to smoke and that evening the big front window was open inviting a nice breeze.
Today we got a tram to Magna Plaza and explored the Nine Streets area. We soon found our destination the Brill Museum. This spectacle shop has two rickety floors devoted to the history of eye glasses from the strange beginnings to modern materials and indeed sunglasses and celebrity. It is a small but fun exhibit perhaps a little steep at €4.50 each but when on holiday one doesnt mind so much. Many exhibits are for sale in the downstairs shop where you could purchase Woody Allen's glasses or Lolita's heart-shaped shades.
We moved on stopping in the some more peculiar little shops and when we found ourselves on Prinsengracht La Tertuila seemed the logical choice and the outdoor seating along the sunny canal made the decision very easy indeed. It was lunchtime so we initially got some tostis and milkshakes then I perused the menu, quite the selection I have to say. I went for some John Sinclair since I had not had the pleasure before and for €12 we got a nice looking pre-bagged 0.9g. This smoked with a nice menthol hazey flavour, the high was impressively clear and happily uplifting, making it a strain I was delighted to have tried and one I will buy again in the future for further sampling. La Tertuila (and indeed the John Sinclair) proved to be perfect for a sunny lunch hour.
We were now close to home La Tertuila being just round the corner from Johnny so strolled on visiting the Looier Antique Market on the way which was a great place to bob and look around. At the apartment we made a picnic for the boat trip, packed some extra clothes and rolled a spliff. It was not long before we had to leave for Leidesplein and decided to use the tram. The tram within one stop broke down so we joined the locals in getting off and decided to walk.
As instructed by the instruction provided by the St Nicolaas Boat Club we arrived at Boom Chicago just before four o'clock, announced ourselves at the bar and purchased some cold drinks. Very soon we were meeting Captain Neil a friendly Canadian who congratulated everybody on not only choosing the best canal cruise in Amsterdam but also for choosing such a fabulous day. The group moved off once gathered and soon we were on a flat barge from the 1940s floating on the nearby Prinsengracht. I could write a lot about this canal trip but I will just say that it was so relaxed and peaceful on the water, we were free to smoke drink and eat as we pleased and although not a guided tour we saw so much of the city in our amazing one and a half hour journey, more than the rest of the week combined. The best way to see Amsterdam is by the water! Easier on the feet too! Seeing the people of Amsterdam on the canals was the best bit. People out on there boat as people go for a stroll or perhaps a drive, groups of teenage boys cruising around full of machismo in the heat show off, couples smoke joint in each others arms as the motor slowly along, some people have a garden party with cheese and crackers, others a barbecue in their mobile garden. Many are traveling somewhere it is clear but more still are not they are simply enjoying the freedom of the canals brings them, and they seem pleased to see us perhaps recognising the Boat Club boat and respecting their alternative to the oversized monsters clogging up the canals for the bulk of the tourists. The Boat Club are not licensed to charge but accept donations for upkeep and renovation of the boats. The suggestion was €10 per person and everybody there was more than happy to donate at least that amount to such a worthwhile pursuit. I cannot recommend this enough, do it if you are in Amsterdam even if you are alone! Remember to bring warm clothes it can be windy on the canal and for that reason roll your joints first. Bring a picnic and if possible a cushion
Easily the non weed highlight of the trip.Sometime after our canal cruise we found ourselves at Bluebird and inside I choose So Gouda and for €12.50 received 1.3g. With a cup of darjeeling we entered the smoking room which was in fact very nice due to the open window. The So Gouda was tasty and the effects were nice and mellowing. Bluebird was a very busy shop and although I thought the menu was good with a few choices I would have gone for it did not strike as a place I would enjoy chilling in. After tea and a spliff of So Gouda we departed and strolled some more in the coolness as the sun was now far below the buildings in the narrow streets.
We later found ourselves in Dutch Flowers where as always during our trip the terraced seating was full. Inside we got some drinks but didn't buy anything from the menu as we wanted to remain on the pleasant So Gouda buzz. Dutch Flowers was lively as I had found before but its definitely a place I like to smoke and that evening the big front window was open inviting a nice breeze.
Thursday
Today we took a quick couple of trams and ended up at the Albert Cuyp Markt. Got some fresh fruit and yogurt smoothies and strolled along through the market spotting katsu just off to the right as we did so. Katsu was on my list but for now we passed. Today was particularly hot and when we got to the end of the market, crossed Van Woustraat and Carmona we were glad to find Yo Yo so close.
Yo Yo is on a lovely leafy corner in a residential area with an arty hip feel. Outside beneath the trees are some tables and inside there are high ceilings big windows with plenty of light and space. The shop was tended that day by a friendly young lady who offered me the menu full of reasonably priced outdoor and greenhouse treats. I purchased 0.9g Haze for €5 and 0.7g Silver Tip also €5. There were two specials for €3.50 indica which was a small bag of pre-ground weed to remove seeds and swazi a dark hard african weed. The indica looked most appealing and I thought I'd see what €3.50 would buy me. With two teas chosen from the presented selection case the total came to €16.50. The music being a quiet mixture of reggae and jazz suited the lovely cooling atmosphere inside and the big windows provided ample viewing. This was a fantastic peaceful place to relax and the haze was lovely I thought. It tasted both like outdoor weed should and hazey, although not a strong weed the high was lovely and full of depth. We spent a long time in Yo Yo and the apple dessert was delicious. Before leaving I bought two €10 bags of Haze (1.8g) and Majesteit (1.6g). THe tender who had made our stay very pleasant seemed pleased with my choice of Majesteit and remarked it to be 'very happy' with a smile. Indeed I was very happy leaving Yo Yo some time after I had entered. I will be returning here.
Walking up Utrechstraat we ended up in Rembrandtplein and had some ice-cream. After checking out the Tuscini cinema we spied the flower market and decided to stroll on through. This was pretty disappointing as the stalls are all more souvenir shop than anything else it seems. After checking some art deco antiques we found ourselves near La Tertuila again and decided a sit down was in order. This time we got two of the smaller deals €5 each of Himalayan Gold and Bubblegum two strains I have smoked before and with some soft drinks sat upstairs where we found the music good as was the atmosphere. We smoked some Himalayan Gold and rested for a while until we spotted a table being vacated and then cleaned downstairs. We decided to nab it and a pineapple looza on the way. I rolled the rest of the Himalayan Gold, removed my shoes and enjoyed the smokey high and the cool breeze. After a while we strolled home for dinner and Bubblegum which tasted nice and sweet. I felt both these small samples were good examples of the strains.
Around ten o'clock we emerged and got a tram to Vijzelgracht, as we passed Little I noted it looked rather appealing but we stepped on slighty to Mellow Yellow. This was a good sized, lively shop with a nice atmosphere I thought. When we got to the menu we thought we'd try the Blueberry at €7.50/g and seeing the nice buds got two grams. We went upstairs and sat by the open window with the do not open the window sign and sat at a table with both an ashtray and a no smoking sign and rolled some blueberry. This was nice is flavour and stone, indica dominated with a touch of sativa, euphoric and narcotic. We both thought it very nice. We relaxed for a while and I switched on a volcano. When it heated we had a few bags but it was in need of a clean and we suffered from bits in the mouth, it was however worth it.
Before leaving I picked up some more blueberry and three grams of Amnesia Haze at €8/g. We floated on our Blueberry clouds up Vijzelstraat past the impressive nightmarish De Bazel Building (now the City Archives) eventually finding Dam and the tram home for more blueberry.
Today we took a quick couple of trams and ended up at the Albert Cuyp Markt. Got some fresh fruit and yogurt smoothies and strolled along through the market spotting katsu just off to the right as we did so. Katsu was on my list but for now we passed. Today was particularly hot and when we got to the end of the market, crossed Van Woustraat and Carmona we were glad to find Yo Yo so close.
Yo Yo is on a lovely leafy corner in a residential area with an arty hip feel. Outside beneath the trees are some tables and inside there are high ceilings big windows with plenty of light and space. The shop was tended that day by a friendly young lady who offered me the menu full of reasonably priced outdoor and greenhouse treats. I purchased 0.9g Haze for €5 and 0.7g Silver Tip also €5. There were two specials for €3.50 indica which was a small bag of pre-ground weed to remove seeds and swazi a dark hard african weed. The indica looked most appealing and I thought I'd see what €3.50 would buy me. With two teas chosen from the presented selection case the total came to €16.50. The music being a quiet mixture of reggae and jazz suited the lovely cooling atmosphere inside and the big windows provided ample viewing. This was a fantastic peaceful place to relax and the haze was lovely I thought. It tasted both like outdoor weed should and hazey, although not a strong weed the high was lovely and full of depth. We spent a long time in Yo Yo and the apple dessert was delicious. Before leaving I bought two €10 bags of Haze (1.8g) and Majesteit (1.6g). THe tender who had made our stay very pleasant seemed pleased with my choice of Majesteit and remarked it to be 'very happy' with a smile. Indeed I was very happy leaving Yo Yo some time after I had entered. I will be returning here.
Walking up Utrechstraat we ended up in Rembrandtplein and had some ice-cream. After checking out the Tuscini cinema we spied the flower market and decided to stroll on through. This was pretty disappointing as the stalls are all more souvenir shop than anything else it seems. After checking some art deco antiques we found ourselves near La Tertuila again and decided a sit down was in order. This time we got two of the smaller deals €5 each of Himalayan Gold and Bubblegum two strains I have smoked before and with some soft drinks sat upstairs where we found the music good as was the atmosphere. We smoked some Himalayan Gold and rested for a while until we spotted a table being vacated and then cleaned downstairs. We decided to nab it and a pineapple looza on the way. I rolled the rest of the Himalayan Gold, removed my shoes and enjoyed the smokey high and the cool breeze. After a while we strolled home for dinner and Bubblegum which tasted nice and sweet. I felt both these small samples were good examples of the strains.
Around ten o'clock we emerged and got a tram to Vijzelgracht, as we passed Little I noted it looked rather appealing but we stepped on slighty to Mellow Yellow. This was a good sized, lively shop with a nice atmosphere I thought. When we got to the menu we thought we'd try the Blueberry at €7.50/g and seeing the nice buds got two grams. We went upstairs and sat by the open window with the do not open the window sign and sat at a table with both an ashtray and a no smoking sign and rolled some blueberry. This was nice is flavour and stone, indica dominated with a touch of sativa, euphoric and narcotic. We both thought it very nice. We relaxed for a while and I switched on a volcano. When it heated we had a few bags but it was in need of a clean and we suffered from bits in the mouth, it was however worth it.
Before leaving I picked up some more blueberry and three grams of Amnesia Haze at €8/g. We floated on our Blueberry clouds up Vijzelstraat past the impressive nightmarish De Bazel Building (now the City Archives) eventually finding Dam and the tram home for more blueberry.
Last edited by colinzeal on Sun 5th Jul 2009 01:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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TwoCanucks
- Posts: 4736
- Joined: Tue 10th Feb 2009 01:03 am
- Location: Amsterdamage
-
TwoCanucks
- Posts: 4736
- Joined: Tue 10th Feb 2009 01:03 am
- Location: Amsterdamage
The great thing about Betty Boop is the location, it's right beside about 12 restaurants.balou1999 wrote:Thanks for reporting, I'll have to add Betty Boop to my list. I love sitting outside and having a session
Mama Maria's South American BBQ is awesome, try the tacos or fajitas, both very excellent.
Also, Humphreys has an amazing 22.50e for appetizer, entre and dessert and I was blown away at the quality of server and especially the food.
All the restaurants share a huge mutual patio, so all have outdoor seating!
Amsterdam dreaming.............
Top report, cheers for taking the time.
Thats good to hear I've always fancied Humpreys but never got around too eating there, cheers.TwoCanucks wrote:Also, Humphreys has an amazing 22.50e for appetizer, entre and dessert and I was blown away at the quality of server and especially the food.
Being pedantic and knobbish since 1972
Friday
Friday we walked to Elandsgracht turning off and passing Biba another ifof the many I noted as looking good for a future visit. A few steps further we found Sanementereng closed. It was 12.40, sitting on the newspaper the cat seemed indignant and then told us so. We strolled on passing Flower Power and Blackstar on the way to Paradox.
Paradox is a small alcove like room on a residential street with a large bar at the back of the shop. The budtender that day was a friendly-giant style dutch guy. When when we arrived we were unsure of what we desired so sat down. Paradox has a very decent food menu with fresh fruit shakes and juices; we got sandwiches and I choose tea from the available selection. The atmosphere of this shop was excellent with quite a few locals hanging out and popping in for a joint, as well as two groups of tourists while we were there, the budtender was super friendly and the decent music at a nice low volume added to the recipe. After a tasty lunch had digested slightly I order more drinks and one of the massive (non space) cookies we had spied and perused the bud menu. I was going to try two €6 deals to mix it up and choose NY Cheisel and Ace but they were out of the ace (pre-bagged here but eager to show before you purchase) in the €6 deals. I decided to go for just the NY Cheisel and for €12 I got 1.1g. The cookie was delicious and the NY Cheisel tasted great with equals measure of stone and high the result. I used the toilet here and was glad to see it not only sparkling clean but complete with ashtray. Paradox is actually worth coming to for a sandwich and atmosphere, which is a big plus in my book and I witnessed some big juicy slices of mango going into the blender for a real fresh smoothie (to be honest I initially thought they were big chunks of cheese!). Another nice place to smoke.
Eventually leaving we strolled passed the queue for the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk and the house René Descartes once lived. Once in the centre we found Warmoesstraat and Baba 's Souvenir Shop, inside I purchased some ziplock bags.
Finding ourselves in the busy Nieuwmarkt area we surveyed the available coffeeshops. The menu in Green Place was very strong but I didn't dig the atmosphere just then and the outdoor seating was all taken. We both agreed the Jolly Joker looked most appealing at that moment in time so entered the nice looking and pleasant little shop. We got some cooling drinks and decided to sit in the tiny upstairs. Once settled I ventured down a bit and checked out the relatively small menu choosing some Amnesia Haze at €9.50/g. Upstairs I rolled a joint, it was 4.20 and we enjoyed the fuzzy high. The Jolly Joker was kept very busy with tourists and I heard the tender give good advice to the inexperienced. The space cakes were very popular it seemed. We stayed for another joint of amnesia before escaping up Zeedijk to the tram.
That evening we ate in a nice restaurant called Bi jons Bistro on Prisengracht near the Westerkerk. This friendly and lively place serves Dutch food and I very much enjoyed their Stamppot (with gravy and meatball) and mini butter pancakes. After dinner there was a thunderstorm but around that time the kitchen closed. With that the music changed from traditional dutch sing-along to karaoke disco and the pleasant burlesque themed dutch keuken changed into a dutch wodka party. A fun place with nice food, nice hosts and reasonably priced too. We left however as soon as the rain died down a bit
We crossed the canal and walked through the residential Jordaan area, the rain was light but we were getting wet. As we turned a corner I was thrilled to see coloured lights illuminate the bizarre exterior of Sanementereng. We ventured inside and we greeted by a lady who may or may not have been elderly. Upstairs an African Gent watched television. I ordered two teas and a gram of something off the menu Mary something my notes fail me now for around €6. Strange shop mostly antiques and bric-a-brac, hardly recognisable as a coffeeshop more a bizarre living room car boot sale but welcoming nonetheless, the music was jazzy and quiet and sometimes had an African vibe. The cat strolled around and after a joint I explored the various things for sale in the shop which indeed take up most of the space, there being just two tables and a bar area in this three level shop. A very relaxing place and quite unique in terms of decor and menu and I vow to return but time was getting on and we wanted to restock on Lavender from Johnny which was just down the road on Elandsgracht.
Stopping at a bank machine beside we entered Johnny and sat at the bar. It was past eleven on a friday night at this stage. We both ordered some Lavender at €9/g. We got a coke and a chocomel, and a stream of customers came in and kept the friendly budtender very busy. Slowly I began to roll a spliff and once I had flipped it I noticed there were no ashtrays but feeling adventurous I just sparked it. The budtender told me that I couldn’t smoke in here but had to go to the smoking room. I apologised and he didn’t seem to mind much being more apologetic than anything. We got up to enter the tiny smoking room feeling a great shop slightly ruined as we both for some reason liked it here (nice décor nice menu nice people i suppose). I decided to take a bar stool from along the window into the smoking room and the budtender laughed telling me I couldn’t do that either, I replied ‘Too many rules man’ I think he was in agreement. We smoked in the narrow smoking room which was actually quite pleasant under the extractor fan but far from ideal. So it turns out then that Johnny is a strictly no smoking shop and this appears to be why the upstairs is permanently closed. This is a real shame in my opinion (particularly for the two permanent fixtures at the bar playing chess) but Johnny will still be on my list for pickups and I may even enjoy a reasonably priced refreshment and roll one for the (rather nice) road while I’m there. As we prepared to leave and with that menu rolling round in my mind the tender was stacking the tupperware containers behind the counter preparing to close soon I assumed. I saw some tasting looking buds and on impulse I picked up two grams of NLX at €8.50/g. We made the short stroll home and rolled some NLX. Like the man said ‘Its classic stoned’ but tasty and potent also.
Friday we walked to Elandsgracht turning off and passing Biba another ifof the many I noted as looking good for a future visit. A few steps further we found Sanementereng closed. It was 12.40, sitting on the newspaper the cat seemed indignant and then told us so. We strolled on passing Flower Power and Blackstar on the way to Paradox.
Paradox is a small alcove like room on a residential street with a large bar at the back of the shop. The budtender that day was a friendly-giant style dutch guy. When when we arrived we were unsure of what we desired so sat down. Paradox has a very decent food menu with fresh fruit shakes and juices; we got sandwiches and I choose tea from the available selection. The atmosphere of this shop was excellent with quite a few locals hanging out and popping in for a joint, as well as two groups of tourists while we were there, the budtender was super friendly and the decent music at a nice low volume added to the recipe. After a tasty lunch had digested slightly I order more drinks and one of the massive (non space) cookies we had spied and perused the bud menu. I was going to try two €6 deals to mix it up and choose NY Cheisel and Ace but they were out of the ace (pre-bagged here but eager to show before you purchase) in the €6 deals. I decided to go for just the NY Cheisel and for €12 I got 1.1g. The cookie was delicious and the NY Cheisel tasted great with equals measure of stone and high the result. I used the toilet here and was glad to see it not only sparkling clean but complete with ashtray. Paradox is actually worth coming to for a sandwich and atmosphere, which is a big plus in my book and I witnessed some big juicy slices of mango going into the blender for a real fresh smoothie (to be honest I initially thought they were big chunks of cheese!). Another nice place to smoke.
Eventually leaving we strolled passed the queue for the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk and the house René Descartes once lived. Once in the centre we found Warmoesstraat and Baba 's Souvenir Shop, inside I purchased some ziplock bags.
Finding ourselves in the busy Nieuwmarkt area we surveyed the available coffeeshops. The menu in Green Place was very strong but I didn't dig the atmosphere just then and the outdoor seating was all taken. We both agreed the Jolly Joker looked most appealing at that moment in time so entered the nice looking and pleasant little shop. We got some cooling drinks and decided to sit in the tiny upstairs. Once settled I ventured down a bit and checked out the relatively small menu choosing some Amnesia Haze at €9.50/g. Upstairs I rolled a joint, it was 4.20 and we enjoyed the fuzzy high. The Jolly Joker was kept very busy with tourists and I heard the tender give good advice to the inexperienced. The space cakes were very popular it seemed. We stayed for another joint of amnesia before escaping up Zeedijk to the tram.
That evening we ate in a nice restaurant called Bi jons Bistro on Prisengracht near the Westerkerk. This friendly and lively place serves Dutch food and I very much enjoyed their Stamppot (with gravy and meatball) and mini butter pancakes. After dinner there was a thunderstorm but around that time the kitchen closed. With that the music changed from traditional dutch sing-along to karaoke disco and the pleasant burlesque themed dutch keuken changed into a dutch wodka party. A fun place with nice food, nice hosts and reasonably priced too. We left however as soon as the rain died down a bit
We crossed the canal and walked through the residential Jordaan area, the rain was light but we were getting wet. As we turned a corner I was thrilled to see coloured lights illuminate the bizarre exterior of Sanementereng. We ventured inside and we greeted by a lady who may or may not have been elderly. Upstairs an African Gent watched television. I ordered two teas and a gram of something off the menu Mary something my notes fail me now for around €6. Strange shop mostly antiques and bric-a-brac, hardly recognisable as a coffeeshop more a bizarre living room car boot sale but welcoming nonetheless, the music was jazzy and quiet and sometimes had an African vibe. The cat strolled around and after a joint I explored the various things for sale in the shop which indeed take up most of the space, there being just two tables and a bar area in this three level shop. A very relaxing place and quite unique in terms of decor and menu and I vow to return but time was getting on and we wanted to restock on Lavender from Johnny which was just down the road on Elandsgracht.
Stopping at a bank machine beside we entered Johnny and sat at the bar. It was past eleven on a friday night at this stage. We both ordered some Lavender at €9/g. We got a coke and a chocomel, and a stream of customers came in and kept the friendly budtender very busy. Slowly I began to roll a spliff and once I had flipped it I noticed there were no ashtrays but feeling adventurous I just sparked it. The budtender told me that I couldn’t smoke in here but had to go to the smoking room. I apologised and he didn’t seem to mind much being more apologetic than anything. We got up to enter the tiny smoking room feeling a great shop slightly ruined as we both for some reason liked it here (nice décor nice menu nice people i suppose). I decided to take a bar stool from along the window into the smoking room and the budtender laughed telling me I couldn’t do that either, I replied ‘Too many rules man’ I think he was in agreement. We smoked in the narrow smoking room which was actually quite pleasant under the extractor fan but far from ideal. So it turns out then that Johnny is a strictly no smoking shop and this appears to be why the upstairs is permanently closed. This is a real shame in my opinion (particularly for the two permanent fixtures at the bar playing chess) but Johnny will still be on my list for pickups and I may even enjoy a reasonably priced refreshment and roll one for the (rather nice) road while I’m there. As we prepared to leave and with that menu rolling round in my mind the tender was stacking the tupperware containers behind the counter preparing to close soon I assumed. I saw some tasting looking buds and on impulse I picked up two grams of NLX at €8.50/g. We made the short stroll home and rolled some NLX. Like the man said ‘Its classic stoned’ but tasty and potent also.
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spidergawd
- Posts: 4420
- Joined: Sun 11th May 2008 09:21 pm
- Location: The Mars Hotel
Saturday
The last day and mixed emotions as we know it will be very soon time to leave. Tea, Joint, Breakfast, Joint, Wash Dishes, Tidy and Pack. Our host arrives slightly early but is a nice guy and has two friends along with him. Exchanged keys for deposit and off we went to Centraal to stash our bags. We had a couple quick things to do so did and afterwards hungry now went into Café Zool on the same street as (the eternally packed) Grey Area. They promised good burgers but they were out! Anyway got something to fill the void.
I really have a craving for two particular strains today; John Sinclair and Bubblegum and I thought Dampkring would be a good bet for one or the other so off went to Haarlemerstraat checking out Picasso on the way. We entered the busy Pink Floyd Dampkring and I was dissapointed to see the menus replaced by flat screens in the counter, on top of that they had neither strains (the bubblegum I was surprised about) and the menu didn't seem as nice as I would have expected in Dampkring. With the music quite loud and the dealers seeming stressed and busy we decided to leave and try Picasso as I knew they had bubblegum from the menu site. My first trip I had a nice experience in Pink Floyd but the dealer that day was super friendly despite being busy and goes to show the difference attitude or mood can have.
Anyway we entered Picasso which seemed welcoming and the tender was very friendly but unfortuneately no bubblegum. We decided to sit and smoke rather than hunt for strains and choose to sample Picasso's offering of Chocolope also at €12/g and for €10 we got 0.8g We went upstairs to smoke and this was a much better sample of chocolope in every way and put us right once again. Picasso was a fine place and has a busy view and welcoming atmosphere but I wanted to leave and squeeze in another coffeeshop or two before it was Schipol time.
We left Picasso popped round the corner quickly finding the Brouwergracht and Siberie where I decided to pop in and check the menu and I'm glad i did. Siberie has a relatively large smoking room inside the door on the right. This large shop is nice and airy due to the no smoking policy. The menu was one of the most interesting I had seen being mostly devoid of the standard offerings. We choose some Kas Citral at €5.80/g and when the attractive tender lady opened the container the air filled with the most heavenly scent. I wanted to make another purchase but I struggled to decide such was the choice, finally settling on a gram of Afghan Haze at €10.80/g. To my delight I spied real leaf tea behind the counter and was glad to settle on some darjeeling. This was a pleasant place to enjoy some genuinely good tea in a large mug due to the air conditioning and lack of smoke, unfortunately the volcano was broken (part on order) but the music was excellent contemporary and electronic at a suitably relaxed volume. While rolling a joint a DJ began to play a set and he was actually very good to listen to. Both strains sampled were very good and despite not being able to smoke I will return to Siberie (or perhaps one of the sister shops) it being a wonderful find right at the top of the town and if I may suggest an excellent escape from Haarlemmerstraat. Also I have to recommend this for anyone who has a non smoker accompanying as I imagine they would appreciate the air as indeed we did that day.
After some final strolling attempted souvenir/present shopping (why must we bring souvenirs for other people when I have no interest in them myself
) we became aware there was really only time for one more relaxed coffeeshop experience. I choose one I had been really hoping to try and we were quickly at Anyday. This is a small corner shop with extremely nice staff, more Verdamper vapourizers than you can imagine and another of the most interesting menus I had seen with price breaks for five grams. I got one gram of Stella Blue Haze and asked to use a Verdamper. Depsite being very busy after a few minutes I was given an excellent demonstration of Verdamper use and the necessary bowl(s). The Verdamper was an excellent piece of equipment, easy to use and once I got the knack I was inhaling thick clouds of tasty vapour. The Stella Blue Haze was excellent in it and the high I would describe as awesome yet gentle. A great experience and I used so little in the vape that I can attest to the brilliance of the stella in joints too. Anyday itself was a great experience very busy for pickups but lots of seating over two levels and some outside also. Before leaving I had to get some of the beautiful looking Afghani Delight at €40 (plus change) for five grams. This turns out to be an earthy narcotic indica with solid buds and a dreamy stone. Anyday was one of the highlights of my trip and I was delighted to squeeze it in and will perhaps even make it the first visit of my next trip!
So that was it really, quick shop in AH to get some cheaper and tastier dutch tobacco and on the way to Centraal realised we had nothing rolled for the airport so popped into Prix D'ami and queued for a pre-rolled mixed Silver Haze joint which was pricey at €7 but I accepted that so close to leaving. Smoked that outside after checking in before going through departures and it smoked fairly good, got me stoned but hardly a highlight.
The last day and mixed emotions as we know it will be very soon time to leave. Tea, Joint, Breakfast, Joint, Wash Dishes, Tidy and Pack. Our host arrives slightly early but is a nice guy and has two friends along with him. Exchanged keys for deposit
and off we went to Centraal to stash our bags. We had a couple quick things to do so did and afterwards hungry now went into Café Zool on the same street as (the eternally packed) Grey Area. They promised good burgers but they were out! Anyway got something to fill the void.I really have a craving for two particular strains today; John Sinclair and Bubblegum and I thought Dampkring would be a good bet for one or the other so off went to Haarlemerstraat checking out Picasso on the way. We entered the busy Pink Floyd Dampkring and I was dissapointed to see the menus replaced by flat screens in the counter, on top of that they had neither strains (the bubblegum I was surprised about) and the menu didn't seem as nice as I would have expected in Dampkring. With the music quite loud and the dealers seeming stressed and busy we decided to leave and try Picasso as I knew they had bubblegum from the menu site. My first trip I had a nice experience in Pink Floyd but the dealer that day was super friendly despite being busy and goes to show the difference attitude or mood can have.
Anyway we entered Picasso which seemed welcoming and the tender was very friendly but unfortuneately no bubblegum. We decided to sit and smoke rather than hunt for strains and choose to sample Picasso's offering of Chocolope also at €12/g and for €10 we got 0.8g We went upstairs to smoke and this was a much better sample of chocolope in every way and put us right once again. Picasso was a fine place and has a busy view and welcoming atmosphere but I wanted to leave and squeeze in another coffeeshop or two before it was Schipol time.
We left Picasso popped round the corner quickly finding the Brouwergracht and Siberie where I decided to pop in and check the menu and I'm glad i did. Siberie has a relatively large smoking room inside the door on the right. This large shop is nice and airy due to the no smoking policy. The menu was one of the most interesting I had seen being mostly devoid of the standard offerings. We choose some Kas Citral at €5.80/g and when the attractive tender lady opened the container the air filled with the most heavenly scent. I wanted to make another purchase but I struggled to decide such was the choice, finally settling on a gram of Afghan Haze at €10.80/g. To my delight I spied real leaf tea behind the counter and was glad to settle on some darjeeling. This was a pleasant place to enjoy some genuinely good tea in a large mug due to the air conditioning and lack of smoke, unfortunately the volcano was broken (part on order) but the music was excellent contemporary and electronic at a suitably relaxed volume. While rolling a joint a DJ began to play a set and he was actually very good to listen to. Both strains sampled were very good and despite not being able to smoke I will return to Siberie (or perhaps one of the sister shops) it being a wonderful find right at the top of the town and if I may suggest an excellent escape from Haarlemmerstraat. Also I have to recommend this for anyone who has a non smoker accompanying as I imagine they would appreciate the air as indeed we did that day.
After some final strolling attempted souvenir/present shopping (why must we bring souvenirs for other people when I have no interest in them myself
) we became aware there was really only time for one more relaxed coffeeshop experience. I choose one I had been really hoping to try and we were quickly at Anyday. This is a small corner shop with extremely nice staff, more Verdamper vapourizers than you can imagine and another of the most interesting menus I had seen with price breaks for five grams. I got one gram of Stella Blue Haze and asked to use a Verdamper. Depsite being very busy after a few minutes I was given an excellent demonstration of Verdamper use and the necessary bowl(s). The Verdamper was an excellent piece of equipment, easy to use and once I got the knack I was inhaling thick clouds of tasty vapour. The Stella Blue Haze was excellent in it and the high I would describe as awesome yet gentle. A great experience and I used so little in the vape that I can attest to the brilliance of the stella in joints too. Anyday itself was a great experience very busy for pickups but lots of seating over two levels and some outside also. Before leaving I had to get some of the beautiful looking Afghani Delight at €40 (plus change) for five grams. This turns out to be an earthy narcotic indica with solid buds and a dreamy stone. Anyday was one of the highlights of my trip and I was delighted to squeeze it in and will perhaps even make it the first visit of my next trip!So that was it really, quick shop in AH to get some cheaper and tastier dutch tobacco and on the way to Centraal realised we had nothing rolled for the airport so popped into Prix D'ami and queued for a pre-rolled mixed Silver Haze joint which was pricey at €7 but I accepted that so close to leaving. Smoked that outside after checking in before going through departures and it smoked fairly good, got me stoned but hardly a highlight.