Christmas Shopping 2024 - a short trip

[Worsall]

On route to Dam for a short pre-Christmas break. It reminded me I do not remember the last time I authored a report, well Lemming I am now!
Just a quick reflection on changes since my first visit in around 1980. It was bit Wild West back then; I did not know coffeeshops at that time scoring smokes in the then legendary red-light area by the old church. Things quickly changed with the coffeeshop expansion and influx of American Tourist for the High Times Cannabis cup which moved out along with most of the American tourist around 2010. My two favourite CS then were the De Kuil (420) was great bar and CS pre-2017 and then I discover the t Nes when it was staffed by students of the Cannabis University, the the legend himself DC and of course the famous 420 book. Since the alcohol and smoking ban things have been on a steady decline.
Now I will doubtless struggle to find a smoker friendly bar outside the RL area and of course cost have skyrocketed. At Heathrow will update thread as we go….

[avfc-herbalist]

Have a brilliant trip mate

Thanks for the little write up about your memories of the past. I find the history of Coffeeshops fascinating

[HitTheNorth]

Yeah! Have a great time @Worsall

Have a brilliant trip mate

Thanks for the little write up about your memories of the past. I find the history of Coffeeshops fascinating

Me too. I love hearing about the earlier years of the scene and reminiscing on shops now lost in time. I still have memories of shops from early trips that I have no idea what they were called, where they were and if they still exist.

[avfc-herbalist]

Me too. I love hearing about the earlier years of the scene and reminiscing on shops now lost in time. I still have memories of shops from early trips that I have no idea what they were called, where they were and if they still exist.

Couldn't agree more HitTheNorth. Especially with the rate of closures it makes you wonder whether that Coffeeshop you once sat in ever existed

Hope you're having a brilliant time @Worsall!! If you ever fancy sharing anymore of your early trip memories, I'm all ears

[Tokeing tom]

In big shots bar across road from the plug utopia ..here for the night if u fancy joining us

[Worsall]

Sorry we missed you, at least they still have there licence for a smokers bar unlike most in the area. Ironically from my earlier post the RLD is now not possible to smoke and drink almost everywhere, not a positive vib in the shops, watch this space.Hill Street Booze deserted now no smoking.
Went to the Stud yesterday, what a lovely bunch thanks for making us more than welcome. Great boat tour yesterday also with a view of the festival of light.
Must admit the changes this visit are some of the most dramatic to date, the Mayors vision for Dam from a tourist perspective does not look like my scene anymore.
The Bulldog after the revamp is a great place to stay and you can still drink and smoke here, not sure about outside but it’s too cold anyway.