The taxi arrives at 3.15am. The driver is chatty but that's OK, I'm feeling livelier than I should considering the time.
Airports are boring. I force down the obligatory pint while I wait.
Up. Down. Train. Town.
I arrive in Dam at around 9am. The weather is fine, its chilly at the moment but it's looking like it's going to be a nice day. The city is almost deserted at this time on a Sunday, it's weird without the hustle and bustle. Nice, but weird.
I'm staying at the Budget Tourist Hostel Inn near the top of Spuistraat, in fact its slap bang in the little RLD there. I'm able to dump my bag there before check in this afternoon. I've not stayed here before, indeed I've not stayed in this part of town for 20 years or so. Quick word on the digs - decent, definitely stay here again. I'm pleasantly surprised to find breakfast is included. Bargain. I'm not normally one for breakfast, coffee and weed suffices however I make the most of it and have pancakes with maple syrup every day.
All linen is included and there's a full length curtain on each bunk. Staff were friendly and efficient. The staaircase had a faint smell of noodles.
I've already packed a satchel with essentials on the train so just dump the case and head out for a smoke.
I wander down Spuistraat to Sativa which is a new one on me. I descend the few steps and am greeted by a delightfully rustic interior. There's lots of Delftware tiles and the whole vibe is very chill indeed. The lady behind the counter is chatty. I opt for Pink Runtz at E10 and attempt to buy a grinder and lighter but the lady is having none of it "Why buy when you can borrow"? she says and hands me a tray with all the kit i need. I knock back an espresso and roll up the Runtz. I decide to head out and sit outside for a moment before pushing on. Taking stock of the weed, it's OK - no more. Thinking back to Runtz I've had both at home and in Mokum, I can't remember one I've really enjoyed. Ah well.
It's shopping time, I want to get a few bits in my pocket for starters. Next stop, Family First
Didn't make it on my last trip, think it was mad busy every time i went past. Predictably quiet at this time on a Sunday the tender has time for basic pleasantries. I love me an orange strain and I've been eyeing the menu updates on FBN's site with Fanta Orange a fixture on the last few updates. I grab a gram of that at E13 and also a gram of Dreams Gold at E16. Onwards.
Dreams Gold^^^
Fanta Orange ^^^
It's a good old walk to Chapiteau from here, vis Marnixstraat and Nassaukade, but it's a great place to stock up. The weather is lovely and there's always things to see.
The dude at Chapiteau is happy to show me a variety of weed. Great bargain shop this, nothing over E12.50, solid quality.
I get a gram of Tangie at E12.50, Truffel at E11 and an old fave, Blue Dream at E8.50. Free pack of tips. It's a simple buy and fly place so I head out with my bud but without my cap, I'm immediately called back by the tender. Blimey, I'm only one joint in and already forgetting bits of myself!
I pop my head in Catch 33 and scan the menu but no purchase today, I headed back to Dam and to The Plug. Although I've popped my head in once or twice, I've not actually been in since it was Utopia. Sighs. I got some SFV OG for around E15 before. heading back out.
I've not had a smoke since the Runtz this morning. I still need a lighter and grinder for a start! I decide to go for a drink and a smoke at Suzies - if I can get a seat outside. On the way I dive into Bagheera, primarily for some flower - Gummy Bearz for E12, but also for a lighter/grinder - I had a Phenofinders lighter a few years back so I'm hoping for a replacement. No dice, both lighter and grinder are unbranded, generic. Never mind. Time for Suzies...
And with a quiet Sunday, looks like that wasn't a problem. 
