""Do You Wanna Take A Ride?" Trip 4 Part 2" Personal Page by BlueBerry_7

In case you missed it, here is the link to days 1-3 : Trip Report 4 Part 1

Day 4

Slept in late today, after such a long day yesterday and all that smoking, I needed some serious sleep and it felt so good to be completely rested. I have been on the go constantly since I got here and today I am just going to relax, chill, and take it easy. My weed supply is getting dangerously low so the first destination on my agenda today is the Grey Area for some more of the sweet buds John always has on offer. After kicking around the room for a couple of hours, I make my way out to the tram stop and wait for the # 4 tram which is the only one that comes by this stop. Sometimes it seems like it takes forever for the damn thing to show up, I must learn the schedule and then I'll know when to expect it, so I start to decipher the timetable posted at the stop. Once it finally shows I jump on and ride it to the Dam where I get off and make my way through the crowds of people to the other side of the Square. It looks like there is a carnival setting up, cool, I hope they have the big ferris wheel again but so far I don't see it.

Today the Grey Area isnt too crowded and I take a stool at the bar so I can get in a good conversation with John. I check out all the buds he has, every strain, as he doesnt mind showing off all his wares to serious ghanja connoiseurs such as myself. I decide on the nice fluffy Grey Mist and pick out two very crystally buds which come up to 8 grams for 50 euros, also I get one huge 7 gram bud of Matanuska Tundra for 40 euros. John even cuts me out a gram of a strain called 4077 medicinal weed just because he is so nice, he also kicks in a free drink to enjoy while I smoked and chilled. After a while a line started to form at the counter and even though I was enjoying watching the flow of customers and seeing their purchases, I decided to make my way over toward the big window where there was now a free table.

Once I sat down I noticed the guy at the table beside me looked remarkably familiar, and I could tell immediately that he felt the same because he started to make a hand gesture like to point at me. I assumed he had overheard me talking to John because the first thing he said was "where are you from?" and then, "I know you". I was like, "I know you from somewhere too" and he said "here", meaning Amsterdam then he said "I met you at the Noon a while back" and that was it. I met this guy back in November of 2001 at the Noon coffeeshop, he is in my very first trip report and I remember him specifically because when he got up to leave that night way back then, he fell, knocking over the table and all. Then on his way out the door he said "what a way to make a grand exit!", so I will never forget that, it was funny as hell:)) But for some reason he could not recollect that part of the meeting so I had to remind him what he had told us about his condition at the time, which is so funny considering we are sitting here in the Grey Area having this conversation, he said he had been smoking all day and that he was currently smoking some grey mist crystals and that it had his head spinning. Of course then he had the falling down incident so I guess that is where his memory lapsed because he said he remembered telling us about the grey mist crystal part:))

We sat chatted for what seemed like hours and since I had no itinerary for the day I was in no hurry to go anywhere so time was of no concern. In fact, since I don't wear a watch, I never knew what time it was at any point during the day and combine that with the extended daylight factor, it was hard to even guess the time. But eventually I left, it was time for a different scenery, and walked over to the tram stop near the Royal Palace and hopped the # 2 to the Leidseplein. After watching the street performers for a few minutes, I naturally ventured on across the Plantseon and wandered down the Lijnbaansgracht to the Noon.

LastHamlet with Yellow Cab and Matanuska Tundra

There's only a few people inside, and that includes the two guys that work here, so I have my ultimate choice of seating and I chose the window seat where it is nice and comfy. I grab a soda then begin to rolling up a nice joint to enjoy while I watch the world go by out the window. Again it is a beautiful day and everyone is out walking, taking in the warm air, and basking in the glorious sunshine.
I decide it is time to get a bite to eat so I make my normal journey back down Ziesenisake and cross over Weteringschans to the casino area. There are lots of people gathered around the huge outdoor chess game today, everyone is taking advantage of the great weather, and the players seem very intense. I stand there a few minutes and check out the game then I wandered on over the Hard Rock Cafe for my regualr, nachos and a cola. I had one of the nicest waiters, Heath, he is from Georgia so he picked up my accent right off and it seemed to be a good conversation starter because we ended up talking about all sorts of stuff which included, of course, me asking him all about how he was here in Amsterdam!
Once I left there I walked around to the Museumplein area to take photos and help to digest all that food I just ate. But after getting full it was definitely time for another smoke so I jumped the the # 5 at Van Baerlestraat and rode the tram all the way to centraal station. With the Siberie on my mind I made a beline straight for the place and after drinking all that soda at the HRC, I was in serious need of a toilet. That is one thing I really like about the Siberie too, they have the cleanest smelling restroom I have ever been in and that is a major plus!
As I turn to go down the Brouwersgracht I notice a familiar figure up ahead going in the same direction I was. Well guess who, it was LastHamlet making his way to the Siberie also and what a coincidence that we should run into each other but I guess when you frequent the same places it is bound to happen:)) He stops just before going inside to fumble with something and I take the opportunity to call out to him and let him know I am close behind.

We go inside and take the table near the front then LastHamlet goes to the deal counter and picks up some more siberien something. Then we both begin to roll up our joints, me with my traditionaldutch cone and LastHamlet and his traditional nuclear joint! We shared both of the fitting masterpieces then we left for centraal station to catch the # 4 back to the room. I wanted to photograph some of the killer buds I had from the Grey Area, so LastHamlet and I took turns posing them for the camera. After that we smoked a sample of each kind and toked up a few bowls with some hash and crystals, then it was time for sleep, hummm...sweet dreams!

Popeye's Coffeeshop

Well I have finally given up all hope of my luggage arriving and I am serious need of some clothes so LastHamlet suggested the Albert Cuyp Markt. Even though the markt wasn’t really that far from the hotel we took the tram and got off just before the street lined with tents as far as the eye could see. There weren’t too many people out so the markt wasn’t crowded, it seems the rain is putting a damper on business. I browsed through many of the stores but I really didn’t have much luck finding anything however I did manage to get a nice pair of shorts for 10 euros.

After walking about half way down Albert Cuypstraat it began to rain pretty heavily so we decided to take cover at the nearest coffeeshop which just happened to be the Katsu. I went on up to the deal counter and purchased some Sage in a prepackaged bag of 1.6 grams for 12 euros and I also purchased a souvenir lighter. The dealer gal was real nice and gave us free Katsu buttons and filter tips. The place is small and it was crowded but we were able to share a table at the back with another fellow. We began chatting with him and he turned out to be quite an interesting guy and we tripped out on him while buzzing on the nice sage.

Finally after the rain subsided we departed and made our way to the nearest tram stop headed for Centraal Station. We split up once we got to the station, agreeing to meet later at the De Kuil for some vaporizer hits. I was starving so I went straight to Tivoli for dinner; I have been anxiously waiting on the opportunity to eat at my most favorite restaurant. I was happy to find out that my favorite cook, Alan, was working because he makes the veal perfect every time, so I was very much looking forward to my meal. The same servers are still here and a few of them remembered me from before and they were all too happy to make sure I got great service and excellent food.

Since I was so hungry, I first ordered the cheese pizza as an appetizer and then I ordered the entrée. But I know they had to think I was weird because I just ate the cheese off of the top of the pizza and left the whole crust. Once my veal arrived I had a hard time eating it all after having all that cheese but I managed and then I was stuffed, damn I hope I can walk!

After such a wonderful meal it was time for some awesome dessert in the form of Grey Mist bud, so I made my way down the Nieuwendijk, across the Singel and down Haarlemmerstraat to Popeye’s. This is a nice place to chill and get comfortable, it is very clean and new looking inside, I really like this place a lot, it is definitely going to be one of my new hang out places. Once I got my cone rolled up, I kicked off my sandals and put my feet up on the comfortable ass couch-like seat and sparked my doobie, ahh life doesn’t get any better.

Realizing it was approaching 10 pm, I gathered my stuff together and headed for the De Kuil to meet LastHamlet for a nightcap vaporizer hit. I got there a few minutes before 10 and grabbed the first table along the wall, shortly afterwards LH walked in and sat down at the bar because he didn’t see me at first. Once we got situated it was time to get the vaporizer going and after only 2 bags full we called it done. Leaving there we made our way to dam square and trammed it to the Prinsengracht where we departed to the room for the evening.

Old Stlye Coffeeshop

It's a miracle, Finally after spending forever on the phone and waiting
and waiting, my luggage arrives; thank goodness it is all in one piece
and undamaged. I immediately commenced to rolling one so I can smoke a celebration joint for this joyous occasion, I have clean clothes! I am so elated that all I can think of this getting it all unpacked and organized, much like LastHamlet did on that first day while I sat and watched. Then after getting real stoned I began unpacking all my stuff, hanging up my shirts and pants, I was truly a happy camper. I tried on several outfits just trying to decide what to wear and since I have enough
clothes now to wear something different every day that I have left I
can be choosy.

Once the excitement wore off, I left the room and walked to the Noon in
my comfortable black sneakers, ahh my feet are happy now too! I went to the deal counter and purchased some more of the blueberry, 5 grams for 23 euros and a coke light. I proceeded to roll one then I inhaled the joint and enjoyed my drink while I watched the ebb and flow of customers. I am sitting there in the window seat just gazing out dreamily when I am surprised by a very fine looking dutch guy leaning over me. He is the dealer just coming in on his shift and he is opening the window for me, then he asked "how are you?" and we exchange a few words, I found
out his name is Ryan and he has a 30th birthday coming up soon. Damn how come I never realized how cute he was before. I know I've seen him in here on numerous occasions including my previous trips but I just never noticed. Guess a full close up of the entire face and body of a fine dutch specimen can bring things into a different light and make quite an impression. He gets back to work and I continue on my joint while taking in the views outside and inside!

I departed the Noon and made my way up to the Leidseplien and jumped the #1 tram to Centraal. It was time for a quick lunch so I stopped in at the Pizza M Slice, got a chicken leg, a coke light, and sat down there to eat. After finishing up the one leg which was very tasty I decided to get another and the guy was nice enough to give it to me free the second time around. Time to burn another cone so I walked just a couple of doors down to the De Kuil and proceeded on back to the deal counter. Greg is working again, cool, his is always very friendly and doesn't mind taking the time to show me several different strains. The shiva doesn't look nearly as sweet this trip for some reason, so I settle on the blueberry yet again and get 5 grams for 40 euros.

After leaving De Kuil I decided to walk around some, take photos, and check out stuff I hadn't seen in a while. So I cross over Damrak and make my way down Oude Brugsteeg towards Warmoestraat and the RLD area. There are definitely more people around here and I find myself having to
dodge in and out of the people traffic which I do not care for, too many people around makes me feel claustrophobic. So I started back towards the direction I
came from and ended up ducking into a coffeeshop to get a soda for the cotton mouth. Stone's Café is a nice place with a chill out, laid back atmosphere, and once I realized this I decided roll one up for immediate consumption.

I left there buzzing very nicely and walked around for a while more before heading back up near centraal station. Once I spotted Tivoli I couldn't resist the opportunity to have some more veal, so I went in and ordered my usual veal scallopina pizzola. Unfortunately my favorite cook is off tonight so the entree was not prepared exactly as Alan does it, but it was okay. I was satisfied and very full, the service was prompt and great as usual.

Weed Stuff

I took care of the bill and made my way directly around the corner to the Route 66 and took a seat at the back where the computers are. There was only one up and running but when I put the money in it wasn't working so the manager came over and put in a password then was nice enough to let me use it for free. I smoked a nice joint of blueberry while I checked my mail, posted some on the channels, and surfed.
I walked to centraal station and got on the #1 with plans to find the Kashmir Lounge which is out off of Overtoom. I got off on the wrong stop and had to end up getting back on another tram and going back two stops, even with my map sometimes it is easy to lose track, lol:)) But once I got to Jan Pieter Heijestraat I walked all the way down and across the Jacob Van Lennep Kanaal and the Kashmir was on the right. There were people everywhere, not a seat to be found anywhere and it was so crowded around the bar that I gave up after about 10 minutes of trying to get a drink. So I just went outside on the terrace where there was an empty table and began to roll up another spliff then proceeded to smoke it away while enjoying the nice summertime evening.
By the time I left there is was as dark as it was going to get which isn't pitch dark like it gets where I live but like a twilight darkness or dusk. I walked back down to the same tram stop I got off on and got back on the #1 headed for the Leidseplein. Decided to make the Noon my last destination for the evening since it is already after midnight. Naturally Ryan was still there working, it's a good thing they are open until 1am. I roll up a cone and have a nice conversation with the dude next to me at the window seat, I can't recall his name but he was very nice. On my way out I got another can of soda to drink back at the room and Ryan gave me a quick wink while saying good night in that sexy dutch accent, WoW! Now I believe I will have sweet dreams tonight as I make my way to the hotel.

Private Cup, toilet at the Noon coffeeshop

Day 7

Slept in late today, relaxed in the room for a while, and smoked a good sized joint of blueberry while getting motivated. I was really starting to get hungry so I made my way to centraal via the usual # 4 tram. I had been wanting to try La Grotte again since it had been so good before and I was anitcipating getting a good cheese omelet. By the time I strolled in it was already afternoon and there weren't too many people in the place. I saw the same old guy there, he must be the owner, but there is someone else working behind the counter. I am unsure whether to order or not because I always have such ***ty luck when it comes to someone different cooking. But since he is here, maybe he will be cooking like he did last time although I do remember he was the only one there that morning during the during the crawl. Once I ordered and got settled I noticed him come out from behind the counter and take a seat at the one of the tables with some of his obvious 'regulars'. Damn, and well I was right, my food came out looking totally different and not even like a cheese omelet. The cheese was grated and thrown on top of the flat overcooked eggs and it was not even melted! When the old man cooked it he put the cheese inside the eggs where it belongs and it was a different kind of cheese this time because I did give it a try but there was no way I could eat it. So I left the whole plate practically untouched and after finishing up the joint I had rolled, which was supposed to be my dessert but ended up being my lunch instead, I departed vowing only to return early in the mornings when the old man would be the one cooking my eggs!

From there I went down Haarlemmerstraat, took a side street and went across the Brouwersgracht to the Siberie. As soon as I walk in I see LastHamlet sitting at the computer, so I go over to say high and then proceeded on up to the counter to get a soda. He said we were about to be on the webcam and he pointed me where to sit so everyone could get a good view of us smoking up! We each rolled one up and shared both of them while chilling out in front of the cam, all the while hoping our channelite friends are getting a glimpse.

Since we had a meeting with nogbin and buckofive at six, we headed out for the Noon coffeeshop, our location destination for this channelite gathering. Naturally LastHamlet and I got there a little early so we could get some joints rolled up for the occassion as it is always good to be well prepared:)) Nogbin came in first then buckofive arrived shortly after him and joined us at the table. We had a lot of nice conversation and stayed there for about 2 hours before departing.

LastHamlet was going to take buckofive to the room to get his nestle's morsals I had brought for him, since I just got my luggage yesterday I wasn't able to give them to him on the first day. I know it was stupid to put them in my checked bag because they all melted and stuck together but my carry-on bag was packed full with no more room. (Sorry buckofive! Hope you still got use them:) Nogbin decided to tag along with them to the Prinsenhof, but I was starving since I didn't eat my nasty food earlier, so I headed off towards the Leidseplein to get something else for dinner. Deciding to stick with what I know will be good, I make my way to the HRC again and I was completely satisfied with no disappointments as usual, that is one thing for sure about this place, it is always consistent!

After leaving there I walked around the Liedseplein area for a while and took more photos. I ended up at the Dolphins sitting at the table by the window. I purchased some royal dolphin hash at 14,50 euros for 2 grams, it was prepackaged which I dont really care for, but I heard this was some good stuff and the price was not too bad. I think it is better to smoke hash in a pipe and I don't have one on me so I will wait and smoke some tonight in the room. For the moment I just rolled up a cone of blueberry and relaxed while the nice breeze flowed in from the open window on this wonderful evening.

Rokerij Bike

Noticing that my weed supply is near depletion, I must make another coffeeshop stop before going to the room. It is late now, nearly midnight but the Stix is open until one so I go there since it is on my way which is so convenient to the hotel. They have this light up menu on the wall where you have to press a button and it displays all the buds and hash in lights so you can see it real well. I looked at several kinds, the dealer was real nice, and decided on the shiva which was awesome huge buds just oozing with crystals, looked much more like the shiva did once before at de Kuil, it had a strong aroma and tasted very nice. I purchased 5 grams in two sticky buds for 31,50 euros and that is a pretty good deal I thought. This place is real small and there isn't much seating but fortunately there aren't but two other customers besides myself so I am able to score a booth seat by the big glass window. Naturally I have to twist up a sliff of this spicy stuff to get a taste so I get busy and turn out good sized cone which I spark up immediately. After finishing up all of the joint I go back to the counter and pick up another can of soda to take to the room, the cotton mouth always seems to make an appearence after all that smoking.

Day 8

Today I ventured out for a day of tramming adventures so I began by getting on the # 4 going further out to the RAI station. I rode it all the way to the end of the line and then I got off not realizing I could have just stayed on because it made a loop around and came right back. I rode it until I came to the Abert Cuyp Market and then I got off and walked back to take some photos of the area. I returned to the same stop, got back on the # 4 and decided to stop off at the Rembrandtplein and take some photos of the stunning pink and baby blue hydrainyas that were blooming everywhere. Since I was within immedaite proximity to the place, I decided to go in the Bushdoctor although it is not one of my favorite coffeeshops, I was in need of a smoke. I purchased a 2 gram bud of Jack Herer for 14,50 euros in a prepackaged bag along with a cola and cool ass yellow Bushdoctor lighter. There are only two guys in the place and they are at the bar so I grab a chair at the only table on this floor. I pull out my supplies and get started on my joint when I overhear the conversation between the two young guys at the bar and the dealer. I quickly recognize they are American and I just have to jump in with some comments about the topic at hand.

To Be Continued....

Steve, LastHamlet, J. Johnson(comedian), dannymac

Comedian J. Johnson, truly a remarkable individual... very funny :)) Hope to see him again one day in mecca....

Marcel ;))

Ahh, what can I say, a hottie for sure!! Wow:))

BlueBerry, LastHamlet, and SuZe

Smokin up outside Popeye's during the Crawl