First Day impresions

[BeachBUD]

I had the flight from hell between Detroit USA and AMS. I am a big guy and was switched to a middle seat by Delta/KLM. The first segment worked out, but DTW/AMS I was next to a big girl so we were both unhappy. Bottom line, no sleep for entire 8 hour flight (+an hour ground delay). Took the train to Amsterdam Central for 4.20. The walk from my plane to baggage to the train was easily two miles. I got to Amsterdam and was ready to be delivered to my hotel. But cab driver said it was only a few blocks and wanted 15E. So I walked.

My first revelation is how close everything is. You can't tell from a map, but many of the streets in Centrum are merely pedestrian alleys. So the blocks are very small, and I was at my hotel in about 7 minutes even while weighed down with baggage. Took a shower and slept for about 6 hours.

Went out about 7pm and started walking. Again, the distance to things was amazing. From a map, I thought Fantaseeds was almost a cab ride for the next day. After about a 5 minute leisurely stroll, suddenly I was there. I would guess if you are at Dam Square, the entire Centrum district is less than 15 minute walk. Don't worry too much about a perfect hotel location, everything is close.

Second important surprise revelation. YOU CAN BUY 1/2 GRAMS in the coffee shops!!. Thats right campers. It's not on the menu but so far the budtenders were very nice about small amounts. So try as many varieties as you can.

Why would anyone order a pre-rolled joint with tobacco or even a"pure" pre-rolled? It's like going to wine country and drinking Gallo. Educate your palate !!

It's hard to be normal. After my first stop at Fantaseeds, I was digging in my pocket for some money to pay a convenience store. And out came the bag with the leftover pot with my Euros. I freaked for a couple of seconds and then said "Oh wait, its legal." By tomorrow I should be fully integrated into normal behavior. I will probably get busted when I get home by forgetting where I am.

Tip your budtender. They get tipped by about half the customers, mostly the Americans and Canadians. Even a Euro or two adds up for them.

I don't know what I was thinking, but I sort of pictured all coffee shops being the same. They are not. They vary in decor (I do not want to watch big screen infomercials in Dutch), atmosphere (music is important to me, alot of it sucks), and friendliness. I looked in the door of a dozen shops my first night, went inside half, and found two I REALLy like enough to go back. 420 and Fantaseeds. So if you want to try something specific, get a 1/2 gram and then go to the place you like and buy a couple of drinks (and maybe another 1/2 gram) while you hang out in a good space.

Mini-bar bottle of water E3.50. Same bottle at store 2 blocks away E0.69. Prices can be very good or very expensive. Shop where the natives shop.

Spend your change. One and two euro coins can pile up quickly if you are used to dollars. All of a sudden you have E40 in coins in your pocket. And check them. The sizes of many are almost identical (20 & 50 are less than a half mm different is diameter), and it seems part of a grand plan to get people used to small coins (5-10-20) being worthless.

The biggest thing is how close everything is. You can't tell that at all from the map. Amsterdam Central to Dam Square is maybe 15 minutes at a medium pace. If you are planning your first trip, look at your map with a new eye.

[2rollingstoned]

Yay Bud you are there! I fly out today and this is helpful to know this stuff already. If all goes as planned I should be there about 8:30 am tomorrow morning! I dread the flight but gonna try to read and take notes for the beginning of my trip report. I am awake far too early so my ass is gonna be dragging by the time I make it over there but I am sooo excited. See you soon!!!

[angry pirate]

Some good 'first timer' realisations there BB, as you now know, it's the perfect city for a stroll. Enjoy.
I'm guessing Fantaseeds = HGF yeah?

[Dr Greenshed]

thanks for posting keep us informed
cheers
the doc

[BeachBUD]

Some good 'first timer' realisations there BB, as you now know, it's the perfect city for a stroll. Enjoy.
I'm guessing Fantaseeds = HGF yeah?

Yep. I realized today I had erred. How do I global seach and replace on this thread ?

[sensi315]

Enjoy your stay

[schererbuzz]

Nice.

How could you sleep after arriving? I was so fired up it wouldn't have mattered if I hadn't slept in days....I would have had to hit a coffeeshop before crashing. Also somebody will point out that it's not legal....only tolerated.

Have a great trip.

[redeyezman]

Get half a gram of Super Silver Haze from Paradox, HGF, Greenhouse or somewhere! Enjoy your trip! Take the local train to Harleem, and go to coffeeshop Birdy for their jelly hash! Great gear, and more quick walks all around a new town! Travel close to hotel for E10 round trip!

[BeachBUD]

Nice.

How could you sleep after arriving? I was so fired up it wouldn't have mattered if I hadn't slept in days....I would have had to hit a coffeeshop before crashing. Also somebody will point out that it's not legal....only tolerated.

Have a great trip.

I needed a shower before anything else. Once I got that far, it was easy. Set my alarm for an hour. Haha on me.

[BeachBUD]

Yay Bud you are there! I fly out today and this is helpful to know this stuff already. If all goes as planned I should be there about 8:30 am tomorrow morning! I dread the flight but gonna try to read and take notes for the beginning of my trip report. I am awake far too early so my ass is gonna be dragging by the time I make it over there but I am sooo excited. See you soon!!!

830 a, at the airport or at your hotel? Are you still planning to be at T&T tonight at Basjoe ? Two days of walking for my OOS body is hurting this morning. May stay close by the hotel today but will make the T&T if I know for sure someone will be there.

[geekymonkey]

I'll be there for sure at 8:30 tonight. I leave for the airport in 15 minutes yay!

[Adamster]

Remeber these things since a lot of american on first trips dont realize cuz they too high drunk or... you aint in america, you dont own the city,drinking and smoking AT anytime of the day on the straart is ILLEGAL! and trust me cops can be pigs ..just on last rip saw 5 diffrent ppl/gangs getting busted on the street either drinking or smoking and mostly Black ppl (all happen on friday sat) be respectful just like if was your home town/city/hole in the wall
most import is have fun no need to tip the budtenders (remember the days where you be laugh at for leaving a tip)

[BeachBUD]

I am going to miss Basjoe tonight. I overwalked my body for three days and it needs some recovery time. But I hope all of you are attending Voyagers at noon tomorrow. I am the big guy with the short beard.

And I always tip the budtendeer for his advice.

[geekymonkey]

If you're looking for something really special, see if he's got any of his OG18 special hash that he's just started making. So good. (Mention we ACD folks told you about it- it's 50e/g, but as concentrated as the jelly's and way way tastier. He'll do 1/2 gram no problem. It's so good, unreal unreal.)

It was nice meeting you. Have a great rest of your trip!