I set my alarm for 7:00am, as Sam & I are going to the Kerkenoff Gardens this morning and we have to leave around 8:30. Arrive at their apartment a little early & have to wake up sleepy head. A quick joint with Trevor, as Sam gets her sh*t together, 
and before long we're out the door heading to Centraal Station. My ticket had me going on the Metro south, then catch a bus to the gardens. Sam convinced me to go with her and see if we can exchange tickets. Well, that plan didn't work, so Sam bought my ticket, and we're ready to go, except it's raining like cats & dogs. We look at each other, deciding whether we should go or stay. 
WE GO!!! 
It rains the whole bus ride there and here's the kicker. when we arrive, we find out from our Harry Potter driver (that's the code word to get back on the bus) says, "we don't leave until 2:00pm".
That won't fly for us. as we have to be back in town by 1:00pm to hook-up with the ACD gang and head over to "The Stud" for an invited session. 
We banter back and forth what we should do, but we decide to go in, and we'll figure out later how we'll get back.
Even with the cold and rain and the throngs of people inside, we had a blast. Sam is in fine form this morning because Taylor
Swifts' new album came out that today, and Sam had to announce it too anyone who would listen and could understand her.
We spend a couple of hours walking, taking pictures & Sam yelling out Taylor Swift, while I chime in, "Travis Kelce is her Man." 
We decide to leave, but not before seeing many, and I mean MANY old folks covered up, in the fecking cold, windy weather.
I guess, some folks have a death wish for their loved ones.
We exit the gardens wondering how we're going to get back to Amsterdam. Fortunately for us we find local buses that will take you back to Amsterdam, as long as you have a ticket from the gardens. We look at each other in disbelieve but high tail our butts onto the bus. Before long we're back in town and just we need to hop on the tram and make our way back to the Dam.
Perfect!! 
We head over to Kadinsky bar and see pretty much everyone who's taking the tram ride over to "The Stud".
On hand, is Trad, Bedge, DocGonzo, Talkum, Ingrain, Lemming, Occasional Bowl, Ghost, myself and Sam.
Gapie met us there. The professor arrived a few minutes later at The Stud. 
I've never been to "The Stud" before, I guess because it's a little east of the Center. That will change from now on! Our host, Mjhowy was a very gracious host, with our own private room, drinks and our own volcano to use. Bags of cannabis were handed out to try. One, that Mj wanted us to test sample, to see if it was worth adding to the menu, It was.
Others flowers that we sampled from their menu, were, Holy Grail, GSC, Ice Cream Cake, Cereal Milk, Flamingo, and boat loads more. All TOP notch flowers. Then, while all we're all nice and toasty, Our man, Mj pulls out a nice block of Hash. He said, "try some, take some." Whoever wanted a piece. But wait, then his co-worker brings in a large tray of chocolates. Not just any chocolates, edible chocolates. Very, very, good edibles. There's more... Mj comes back in, hands out T-shirts, pollo shirts, and goodie bags for everyone. COME ON!! Mj, you're a super, super Host, along with everyone that works with you. Thank-you very much for your hospitality!! And "The Stud" is a TOP notch coffeeshop.
I will definitely see you Mj on my next visit.
Now, we're off to The Rum Barrel, a restaurant & bar that Ghost recommended. We make a head count, eleven of us, and we're are on the move.We slowly make our way there and after a short wait, we're all seated together. I'm not a rum guy, but I had a shot with my beer.
Every table ordered what they wanted and shared the meal. We had nachos, voodoo shrimp, calamari and one other tasty item. We had a great time, the food was delicious, the company was wonderful, what more could you ask for!!
Bellies full, we make a quick stop at Best Friends for a Buy and fly, before making our way back to the center. Igraine in the lead, followed by lemming and Occasional Bowl.
We check out a couple of "smoking & drinking" bars to finish off the evening. Another great day, another great night.
Day 3 to follow
AzLaker
