Sorry about taking so long to post this, but circumstances raised their ugly heads. So here we go...
Day 10, Thursday, April 16th.
Yahoo! The start of 420 today for me as far as I'm concerned. Up by 7:00, a full bracing breakfast of coffee, oj and a bowl of Basjo's special white cheese smoke.
Yumm, Yumm.
Ready to go 10:00. It's a beautiful day, sunny and warm, how perfect! Hardly a cloud in the sky (thank you Mother). Did more shopping today, when L was here we kept passing a delf shop, old and new. The display in the window looks interesting. Yet every time we passed the shop had been closed. Today it is open. The place isn't a shop, it's a freakin' museum, in the back room there's the old delf and I'm enchanted. Wish L was here, he'd go ga ga for this place.
I find a blue delft schnauzer, we have a schnauzer, Abigail Precious. Have to have it. I also take photos. And being in a shopping mood, I give in a bit and pick up 3 sliver rings and more beautiful scarfs & T-shirts.
Found two scarfs that will be perfect for mother hen (Hennie). That's my new name for her. I called her Mother Hennie last night and she spoke Dutch to me, "Fook you, Ann." I totally laughed my ass off. But I'm getting off track, stoner mind yah know. One scarf is white silk with embroidered flowers and the other is bold patterns of red, blue and gold. They'll be perfect for her. She has reddish hair, blue eyes and a creamy complexion.
All of a sudden, I'm starving and being in ledeisplein square I just go to the burger King and eat like a hog - coke lite, large French fry and a monster whopper. It's so good that I can actually feel my arteries hardening.
After stuffing myself I hit the Dolphin for my version of dessert, a gram of white dolphin
and a peach Loosa. I am so stoked up. I feel so alive, so in touch with where I'm at.
Time to be moving on towards rembrandt square, get out my old trusty map out and "let's go find the Old Amsterdam, OK?" It's 1:00 in the afternoon.
What a pretty square. All the flowers and trees in full spring bloom. The air is rich with the smell of it all. I do a pretty good job finding the Old Amsterdam without L's help and get lost only once or twice, so what? Is there really anything wrong about getting lost in Amsterdam? Every wrong turn reveals another treasure.
Ah, ha! I found the Old Amsterdam coffee shop. It's closed! What the Fook? this ain't right. What to do? Oh, hey look, another coffee shop just down the road! The Arabica(sp?) This coffee shop is a treat not to be missed. Good sounds, not too loud, good vibes, awesome Amnesia Haze! By far the best I've had so far, so I buy some more, get while the getting good, remember the 420 bag. So anyway I take a seat in the window booth and smoke it up. Peach Loosa and 3 pipes of Haze.
Hot damn! I'm just way high. Now while I'm sitting here, I get to talking to my booth partners. One's an older gentleman who only smokes hash and is quite knowledgeable about it, too. A good talk, learned a lot! And on my other side there were 2 young ladies, sweet as Amsterdam waffles. One blond/blue, one brown/green. Tall and beautiful, In there early 20s ,said they were models from Germany looking for a coffee shop to party in for the evening so I told them about the 420 thing and the meet and greet going to happen at the old Amsterdam. I thought that 2 beautiful girls would be welcome to the party, figuring that there would be a few single young men about. The only problem was that the Old Amsterdam didn't open until later than expected. By the time it did they were bored and left. Oh, well! Soulrider were are you?
When Old Amsterdam finally opened I went in. It's a nice place. I'd be quite willing to visit it again. Bought some Dutch Diamonds and pop lite, kicked back on the couch by the window and piped up. Only problem was that I was still so mashed from the mass ingestion of the Ambica Haze that the smoke from the Old Amsterdam kind of got side tracked if you know what I mean. what a Bummer, But not to worry I'll do some later. When I'm straighter.
After waiting for Soulrider for about an hour without him showing, decided that this scene wasn't going to happen. So I hit the road and headed towards the red light district. Go to Basjo's. Have a coke lite and a nice sit. After this I go to the 420. Lady Grey and a gram of blueberry in a bong. Buzzed my ears off again.
Too buzzed to write, so I walk wasted! Wander around for a spell then to the Freeland, of course. I was right, I've got them nervous now! Life id funny, I'm tired and head back to the room. Yeah! Hennie loves her scarfs. She's going on a cruise soon and said she's taking them with her. Yes I was right, the colors are perfect for her. Especially the Bold red, blue and gold one. She also cooked us dinner, Stampot and old Dutch dish. Potatoes, endive & bacon cooked together with meat balls. Wonderful food and good company. I'm tired, down to the room & out to the terrace, pop and the stuff from the Old Amsterdam. Now I get it, Wow! Then stagger off to bed by 10:00. After all the good cooking I'm taking Hennie out to dinner and singing tomorrow night. It should be a hoot.
Day 11, Friday, April 17th.
UP, buzz from the mixed bag, coffee, oj, shower and out the door. I know why the Dutch love the colors of Delf so much, it's the color of a sunny Amsterdam sky. Stopped along the way at a sweet little shop and bought some silver earrings an a killer black & white top.
Then on to the 420. I go up to the bud tender and get another gram of their blueberry. This is smoke is just beautiful. The bud tender showed it to me it in light shining on it. It looks like a million tiny emeralds twinkling. Gimme, gimme, gimme. Also got a gram of NY diesel. Smooth, it is a good choice. My party bag just keeps getting bigger. Borrow my favorite bong and hit my favorite seat for a spell. Lady Grey arrives hot and sweet. I have a little bit of time before everybody starts showing up for this meet and greet, so I'm taking advantage of this window of opportunity to do some writing. I watch the people passing by, much more crowded today, starting the weekend and all. Endless movement with flashes of color intersected with black and white at times like a monster movie, but still like a 1950's film. Wow! Sunlight bouncing off old red bricks, a white blanket hanging out of a window, flashing in eh sparkling sun. An impressive and amazing city.
At around 3:00 p.m. a crowd starts showing up, standing around the bar/bud bar and introducing themselves to each other. I hear names! Names I've come to know from the forum. First AzLaker and wife, Fishing Bob & Pal, Soul Rider (finally). Had to razz Soul Rider for missing the Old Amsterdam meet and the two models. Wowsa. Pirate raff, Cappy Jack my Old Amsterdam artist buddy, and a gentleman who lives on a house boat a very nice man, but I'll be damned if I can remember his name! Rats! He and his wife run a booth in the western new market, cool stuff too. What nice people!
We all got a big table in the back room of the 420 and proceeded to get acquainted and work up spifs, bongs and vapor bags galore. We all had a very good time, an excellent first meet an greet. A bit after 6:00 I had to go, Hennie and I are going out tonight and party like we're Dutch cousins. I think everyone else went to the Paradox to continue the party.
At the room by 7:00, get changed, reapply makeup. Do a big pipe of 420 bag mix on the terrace with a strong cup of Dutch coffee and am reedy to go by 7:30. We go over in the westerpark hood to a restaurant called Eets Plak. What a nice place! old dark wood,, brown walls and filled with locals. I was the only one from out of town, so to speak. Now I think hat the Dutch people have a fine & bitchen good sense of humor. It's just very down to earth. If you are lucky enough to be allowed to enter their world, you'll find out that they're funny, kind, open hearted people. I've heard some comments that Amsterdamers are hard to get to know. I strongly disagree. These people, especially the women, are just like my people back home, like sisters, cousins, friends. I recognize the vegs they give me. Hennie had pork ribs w/ pomme fritts. I had a wild hair stew. Very interesting, a good dish. After eating we went outside to the tables and had coffee & cigarettes. The night had gone a bit chilly so we bundled up with our new scarfs and enjoyed ourselves letting our meal settle.
Afterwards we went to the 2 swans Jenever bar/cafe. This place was packed with more locals carrying on, singing, laughing, drinking beer Jenever & wine. Shoulder to shoulder. Hot as hell inside. I was laughing my ass off. It was a good night out. Everyone had a great time and nobody threw up on me, I win!
So back to Hennie's and to bed. Jammies, TV & a pipe, nite, nite.
Day 12, Saturday, April 18th.
Know what? Amsterdam is a cafe society and that is great. People meeting, eating, visiting, living at all times of the day & night. Nobody stays inside. Everyone seems to be out and about. I could get used to this! Anyway, back to the story.
Up by 7:00 this morning, I want to get to the Saturday market early so I can get the freshest and best roses for the kitchen table at Hennie's house. The ones she has need to be replaced. Another beautiful morning full of coffee and Basjoes (James') special cheese reefer. And the sleesack from the Grey Area - a good mix. Basjoes' makes me starved and Grey Area's keeps me going. -I call it sleez/cheese!!!
Out the door and to the market by 8;30. The perfect time according to Hennie. She even told me which vendor to go to for flowers, the one at the end of the market. Her advise was right on. I bought a dozen huge, long stemmed assorted colors roses for 3 freakin' Euros! My goodness! Where I'm from these roses would have cost 40 - 50 bucks on sale. These were flowers that dazzled the eyes with color and freshened the air with spring scents. Some I recognized, but a lot of them I had no idea what kind they were. I'm awed by it all. There's also an organic market today, so I buy fresh strawberries, huge & red, just begging to be sugared and eaten. After marketing * went back to the room, gave Hennie the strawberries and roses, which she loved.
Then I saw it was about time to head to Leidsplein for the St. Nicks Saturday boat tour at 2:00. So after another pipe of Sleezcheese, I'm out the door and across the street to the tram stop. After a brief 10 min wait I'm on my way. When I hit Leidsplein I hit the ATM and then strolled over to the Bulldog. It's only 1:00 and I have plenty of time. Goody, same bud tender out front and bartendress too. 1 hot chocolate with whipped cream and 1 gram of LA Conn, (I think) Go outside, hit a seat, pull out my trusty pipe and cop a good buzz, a bit harsh on my throat but damn good buzz, a fair trade off I suppose.
After half an hour of so I finished here and decide to walk across the square to Boom Chicago, for the boat tour. I waited until 2:30 and no body showed up, not even the captain! Oh, well, what the hell, it's Amsterdam, stoners show up, sometimes and sometimes they don't. Dealing with stoners in Amsterdam is like herding cats, it's nigh on to being impossible. But I even lost the boat captain? I sincerely hope that the Monday evening 420 cruise is better attended!
Aw, Fook it! I'm hungry, so on my way towards the Dam I stop at a little cafe/bakery and have a nice meal, a big toasted roast beef w blue cheese crumbles sandwich , a coke lite, of course and a most interesting muffin - it was peach and stuffed wit raspberries.
Awesome X 2, wow!
Now I'm feeling full and ready to work up a new buzz, so I start traveling towards the Nes. Had no trouble finding this place as it's right of the Dam. I walk in the door and right away I like the feel of this place, mellow. Hark! Do I hear the clack of pool balls? I must go and see. I don't play anymore but I like to watch a good game of stick.. Go up to the bar & get a new drink, cassis from Fago. After the first drink, I'm hooked I grab a good table in the back room, have a seat, stuff a pipe, say howdy to the 2 guys playing pool, kick off my shoes and prop my feet up in a chair. I'm here, let's party.
Within an hour, everybody started showing up. Finally met twitch & his wife an rotten kid. What nice people all. AC/DC, Res, Liquid Swords, Red Eye Indian, Trid De, AZ Laker, & wife , Cat tales & hubby, Pirate Raff & woman, Pally wallnuts & mysterious stranger, Fishin Bob & pal & worsall & more! What a fun group, good humored and laid back, ready to have a good time. It's just amazing--- To be able to party with people from all over, all of us drawn here wit a common cause, cannabis. It almost brought a tear to my eye.
What's that I see? A vapo bag!, then another and another and so on until every one was totally blitzed + 10. I was totally stoned and groovin' on the crowd and grinnin' like an idiot ,and having a high old time. ( Pun intended ) we all were and yes, there were some pool players jessies there, they like the stick. By around 8:30 - 9;00 I'm totally bashed and ready to take off back to my digs. And leave the partying to others, just went to Dam square, found a cab, hopped in and went home & ate a bag of cookies and passed out by 10:00. WHAT A DAY!
Day 13, Sunday, April 19th
Another sunny day. Slept like a stone and up by 7:30. O. J., coffee & a morning buzz from my 420 bag. It keeps getting bigger & bigger, better & better.
Hennie has invited me to accompany her to the Sunday morning mkt. at the Waterlooplein for shopping and falafel sandwiches. She told me these were the best in Amsterdam, and she was right, they were delicious. Similar to an gyro in that they were meat in a Pita with chopped lettuce and tomatoes and a dressing on top. Fresh and hot, the were just right for an early lunch. I am not sure that they were the best in town or not, but I'm more than willing to eat them any chance I can get. After shopping for a bit and then hitting the Albert Hine for some grub, Hennie let me out in the red light district and I'm on my way towards Basjoe's for the meet and greet.
Upon my arrival I noticed a window on the side of the coffee shop had been broken out! What's up? I walk in the front door, it's open and see James inside talking to a police officer and cleaning up broken glass and splintered wood from a break in! When I asked him if everything was all right, James just shrugged the whole thing off and said to the effect that "that's life in the big city". And he's right, that's part of it.
So, while the clean up is going on, I just go next door, get a pop and sit outside in the warm sun and rest for a while. Within an hour or less everything is cleaned up, reported to the law and ready for business!
This was a good thing, because at around this time, people from the forum start showing up individually and in small groups. It's a shame that Ramses couldn't be here for this because it turned out so well. Met new people, Chilli, groupie, lemming & wife and the elusive Boner & wife again a wonderful crowd of folks. I got a gram of cheese and a coke lite then sat at the long table on the left side of the coffee shop with AzLaker & wife, Twitchs wife & rotten kid. Twitch was up running around laughing with everyone, having a good time. (he said that his headaches were getting better)
The tables were loaded and so were we all. Spiffs, pipes, bags going every which way. One of the big hits ad basjoe's beside the white cheese was the Terminator hash. That was awesome, sticky and a totally killer high. I took one hit and that was more then enough - this is just too much for an old reefer smoker like me. Too strong! We all partied and buzzed to the max. Everyone seemed to have a good time at the meet & greet, whew! I'm so glad.
At around 3:00, things started slowing down a bit. Then AzLaker reminded me about a talk we had last night concerning going to the cannabis collage. Everyone else has been there but me! So I must go see what's going on , and so I'm off.
The cannabis college is a cool place, lots of reading material about weed and a great grow room downstairs, beautiful plants well maintained, healthy and much loved. The people here are very cool also, more than capable of answering any questions concerning cannabis. I highly recommend a visit!
When I finish here it's around 4:00 or so, so I start walking towards the Nes in Dam square. A short walk so I arrive there almost before I know it. Turn the corner, in the door and let the next meet & greet begin. I walk in and it's packed with partying people. There's also a cloud in here, a big fluffy white sweet smelling cloud. "Lucy, I'm home!" everyone's saying Hi and I'm certainly hoping so.
TA DA! My wishes are granted, half way to the back I'm handed a vapo bag. By the time I've made it to a chair I've probably had 7 - 10 bags handed to me. Me being a polite individual I would never refuse. So by the time I sit, I'm already blasted. Then Twitch & AzLaker come up and ask if I've tried the Volcano yet? Well, no I haven't, May I? Fook me! What a kick! So now not only ami I blasted I'm baked too. But that's cool, because everyone else is getting their freak on, same as me. Playing pool, drinking, smoking, laughing. What good Vibes!
But by around 7:30 - 8;00 I've had about all I can ingest for now, so back out the door, & hit dam square to find a taxi, fall in and go back to the room. The nice driver made sure I got in OK. Hennie made me coffee and a ham and gouda sandwich. Marvelous. Then I went to my room, put on Jammies, turned on music and went to Slumber Land. Good Day!
Day 14, Monday, April 20th
Open my eyes to the Sun and the first thing I think is, "It's 420 today". The second thing I think is "I'm so dried out I could spit sand." So I ooze out of bed and to the sink in the shower room and drink like a camel - a two humper! After a gallon or two, I hack up a tumbleweed and go for a cup of coffee or ;five. Ah! Now I'm feeling lots better. A pot of coffee and coffee with my pot I human up a bit and hit the streets. I'm on my way to the Paradox for the start of the 420 crawl. But first I go past Freeland and talk about the weather... I make it to the Paradox by 11: Boner & wife are already there getting a bite to eat, a tosty I think.
I go to the bud tender and get a gram of Haze and a cup of coffee, then go outside and sit on the bench and light up. After about 10 min. Cattails & Hubby, AzLaker & wife came in, so I got up and went inside with the others, sat at a big table and AZ Laker lit up some Pink Kush. This was some Bitchen' smoke, I loved it. An excellent stoned feeling.
After everyone finished we all got up and started towards the Home Grown Fantasy Cattails led us right to it . (when you visit there, be sure to check out the bathroom). Upon arrival, I went inside and bought a Casies and a gram of cheese (.took a Tour of the can ) Yes ,this smoke is everything everyone said about it, most excellent! In the back room Liquid Sword, Red Eye Indian, Tri De, newbino & Twitcherino and others of course, I'm so sorry if I forget anyone, but I'm so Buzzed! Well it's crowded in here and besides the wonderful weather is calling my name. So its outside to pipe up, outside sitting at the tables are Couch, Mister X, Chili, JO, Chris, Worsall, AzLaker & wife, cattails & hubby, twitch & Family, Boner & wife, pirate Raff & woman & others. Wo hoo, high again. We all sat outside at the tables and just gabbed and bullshitted each other while acquiring another brilliant buzz.. What a great way to spend part of the 420. Sun & fun! After an hour or so it's time to go and get some food, the munchies have hit. So after walking around a bit with cat and hubby I take off and head for the Central Station area. I stop along the way and get some Pom Fritts and a pop. Thick hot and crunchy, just perfect. I finish my snack, turn the corner and there it is, Ta DA, the 420 coffee shop. What an idea! All this way to Amsterdam to celebrate a holiday that originated in California, go figure. I'm all for it. Anything for a buzz, what can I say?
It's about 3:00 or so when I walk in the door, go to the bar, get my lady grey and a gram of SSH. I have my 420 bag ready to go, it's a thing of beauty, full rich, & fine!
What's this? It looks as if here's something going on in the back room. Lights, cameras & someone answering questions. So I ask the bud tender what's happening. He says that it's an Italian television station interviewing the man who owns the 420. This guy owns the 420? I had no idea! This gentleman and I have had 1 or 2 quick talks during my visit. I never knew who he was, other than just a nice man. What is his name?
They're, all done by 3:30 and the back room is mostly open so I grab a a corner table and get comfortable, and ready to party. let's go go go!!
Suddenly, Bam! Everyone's showing up at once. Grabbing drinks, bags, seats. Saying hi to everyone or being introduced to new arrivals. At the table where I am sitting are Chilli, Fishing Bob & Pal, Twitcherino & Newbeino. AS everyone is buzzing up I toss my bag out on the table with the announcement of "Let's roll this puppy up". But How? Now, Tiitcherino & have been complementing Fishing Bob on his stellar rolling prowess, just beautiful spiff. So I ask him if he'll roll up a monster joint! And with a little persuasion Fishing Bob said yes, Cool. But also that a good idea would be to go across the street to the little smoke shop and get some big, pre-rolled cone papers so I did (.the nice man in the shop also gave me free candy!) what a town! Because there was so much smoke piled out on the table that there was more than enough for 3-4 huge doobies, also the pile was getting bigger by the moment due to everyone at the table throwing in more bags to roll up. It looked like the hills of high.
So, while Fishing Bob began the construction of superdubie, Twitcherino, Newbino, Chilli & Pal got out their grinders and began crunching it all up. .
Siting back down with my goodies ' Twitcherino & Newbino grabbed the cones and began loading them up, by the Goddess it was awsome! They were really things of beauty. But they paled in comparison to Fishing Bob's joint. It was just perfect.
We all agreed that we had never seen Better. After this I stood up and waved 2 of the huge cones and invited the fine folks of the forum to partake of this bounty. (I think there are photos somewhere) And everyone there graciously accepted. What a cool way to spend the 420...warmth, friendship, laughter. I'll always think of this time in a golden high! Like the spilling of afternoon sun through yellow curtains. Ah, sweet memories.
But after a few hours of fine high fellowship, I was ready to start moving towards the Nes. But first food, next door for a Veg pizza and a fresh strawberry tart, good as usual. Then I'm off to the next 420 meet & greet at the "Nes".
This place is already rockin' when I hit the door. Let's put it this way, there were so many Vapo bags going around it looked like Macy's Thanksgiving parade. So, by the time I stagger back to the pool area I've been vapod, volcanoed, shotgunned & handed a joint.
I melt into a chair and a cassie magically appears in front of me, bless you! And then a Vapo bag.1...2...3... And so on, Enough! I have a boat trip. And I need to get my group together somehow. Help! Thank you Lemming! Without your kind, kind assistance it wouldn't have happened. I've never in my life ever seen anybody herd a group of stoners as well as Lemming, he has a terriers tenacity and a bull dogs determination. I salute you Lemming, you da man!.
When it was 7:30 or so we all got grouped together, Lemming & wife, Chilly, Twitcherino, Newbino, Pirate Raff & woman & myself and headed to Boom Chicago in Ledeinsplein square to meet Capt. Ingrid fro the St. Nicks Boat tours. We made it in plenty of time, even with a few photo ops thrown in. Capt. Ingrid was there and ready to go. So we took off walking and in about 5 min we were at the side of an canal and tied to it was a baby barge boat. Neat!
So we all board and go for a boat trip non parallel. Drinks were poured and Joints lit up. Late afternoon sun still shining. A completely different angle view of Amsterdam. Charming, simply charming, all of it. Big canals & small alike. Twitcherino smiling & waving at the ladies in the Red Light District. The Lights coming on on the barges, the wind blowing in your face, making your cheeks pink with evening chill ,beautiful.
When we passed the diamond exchange the talk shifted to diamonds for a bit. The question was asked if anyone had ever bought a diamond or diamonds there for anyone special. No one had bought from the exchange. Someone asked Capt. Ingrid, a pretty young thing, if anyone had ever bought her one. She stated somewhat resignedly that "no man has ever bought her a diamond". At which point, Twitcherino gallantly said, "miss, then the men of Amsterdam are fools".
Later in the cruise I asked Capt. Ingrid what her thoughts were on being a boat Capt. in Amsterdam and her replay was, " I've done this for 16 years whenever I could weather permitting and every trip I've taken on this little barge is different. It changes constantly yet always remains the same. If I'm lucky, I'll continue to be able to do this until the day after I die. Because there is nowhere on earth like Amsterdam" What a beautiful sentiment. It was a fine experience and I highly recommend it.
Afterwards I was tired & crashing so I bid everyone a good night, walked back to the square and got a cab back to the room. A cup of coffee from the kitchen, go to my room, stuff a pipe full of SSH fro 420, turn on the tube, kick back and call it a night.
Day 15, Tuesday, April 21st
Last full Day in Amsterdam.
Up and awake at 9:00...Way late for me. Hennie was getting worried. No need t worry, I'm fine. Shower to help wake up, drink a few pots of coffee and smoke some lovely Blueberry from the 420. I can't say enough about this smoke, a good steady high.
Then I'm out the door to say bye-bye to my beloved Amsterdam. Also have a get together to go to today, what fun! But that's later in the day.
Now, to the coffee shops! First the Freeland! These folks have had a great sense of humor about the weather joke. And when I say it's my last day in town, they seem genuinely sad to see me go. Everybody bids me farewell, Rasta man included! And they work me up a spiff of killer weed and a cup of hot tea as a good-bye gift. It was awesome smoke, whatever it was and I'm buzzing like a big dog! So, after hugs all around, I'm out the door into the sunshine!
The next stop, after taking more photos, is the 420. Again, I have to say good-bye to some wonderful people who took good care of me. This time it's a joint of SSH and a cup of my all time favorite tea, Lady Grey. I have a seat in my favorite place by the window and light it up. Bang, I'm carrying a monster buzz by now and figure it's time to get something to eat so my sugar doesn't' drop out. So out the door and around the corner to the nice shop next door.
Today I have the chicken sandwich and a chocolate eclair. The sandwich was good but the eclair was brilliant! So I thought that I'd get a box of assorted sugary goodies for the party this afternoon. Chocolate eclairs, cream puffs, strawberry tarts, tiny coconut cakes & apple fritters. A wonderful selection. I look at the clock behind the counter and see that it's already 3:30, I had better get my ass in gear. The shindig starts around 4:00.
I've got the address in my pocket, a box of goodies and I'm ready to go! Let's party down! At least I got it partially right, the down part. I'm just boogying down the street and all of a sudden I stumble on the cobbles in the sidewalk and lose my balance. My left leg buckles and I'm down on one knee. When the knee hits the pavement I hear it crack, then there's the shock of pain running up & down the limb. F***K ME! OWWW! Stick me with a fork, I'm done.
Again the nice people of Amsterdam come to my rescue! As I'm frozen in my position on one knee, afraid to move, at least 3 people ran to me offering assistance. Thank you so much. They helped me to stand and a cab was called, upon my request, to get back to Hennie's house so I could have a look at the leg. At this point I knew that for me at least, the party was over. What a f**kin drag.
Back at the house the cab driver helped me to the door and inside to a chair, then left. Well, let's just say it aint broke. It is out of commission & hurts like Hell, but it will heal with time and a good knee wrap. So I work my way out to the terrace, prop the leg up, put on an ice pack, and stuff a pipe or three with sweet blueberry from the 420, and just give it up for the day, shit fire!
At this time, Hennie comes home and she kicks into mother hen gear. She makes a Surinise dinner that was delicious.and tryed to baby me all eveing.! But a good piece of news was that during the whole fiasco I never dropped the box of goodies, so we had the dessert to end all desserts.
After this I decided to go to bed and keep the knee elevated. Ibuprofen and a good nights rest for the most part.
Up early the next morning, wrap the leg securely, take more ibp and the last of the blueberry. Then Hennie drives me to the airport. Everything's on time! Get on the plane with no problem and for a little more good luck the plane wasn't half full, I was able to find a vacant group of 3 seats and so was able to stretch out and rest on my way back home
THE END.
Hope you enjoyed this,
Hestia
Day 10, Thursday, April 16th.
Yahoo! The start of 420 today for me as far as I'm concerned. Up by 7:00, a full bracing breakfast of coffee, oj and a bowl of Basjo's special white cheese smoke.
Yumm, Yumm.Ready to go 10:00. It's a beautiful day, sunny and warm, how perfect! Hardly a cloud in the sky (thank you Mother). Did more shopping today, when L was here we kept passing a delf shop, old and new. The display in the window looks interesting. Yet every time we passed the shop had been closed. Today it is open. The place isn't a shop, it's a freakin' museum, in the back room there's the old delf and I'm enchanted. Wish L was here, he'd go ga ga for this place.
I find a blue delft schnauzer, we have a schnauzer, Abigail Precious. Have to have it. I also take photos. And being in a shopping mood, I give in a bit and pick up 3 sliver rings and more beautiful scarfs & T-shirts.
Found two scarfs that will be perfect for mother hen (Hennie). That's my new name for her. I called her Mother Hennie last night and she spoke Dutch to me, "Fook you, Ann." I totally laughed my ass off. But I'm getting off track, stoner mind yah know. One scarf is white silk with embroidered flowers and the other is bold patterns of red, blue and gold. They'll be perfect for her. She has reddish hair, blue eyes and a creamy complexion.
All of a sudden, I'm starving and being in ledeisplein square I just go to the burger King and eat like a hog - coke lite, large French fry and a monster whopper. It's so good that I can actually feel my arteries hardening.
After stuffing myself I hit the Dolphin for my version of dessert, a gram of white dolphin
and a peach Loosa. I am so stoked up. I feel so alive, so in touch with where I'm at.Time to be moving on towards rembrandt square, get out my old trusty map out and "let's go find the Old Amsterdam, OK?" It's 1:00 in the afternoon.
What a pretty square. All the flowers and trees in full spring bloom. The air is rich with the smell of it all. I do a pretty good job finding the Old Amsterdam without L's help and get lost only once or twice, so what? Is there really anything wrong about getting lost in Amsterdam? Every wrong turn reveals another treasure.
Ah, ha! I found the Old Amsterdam coffee shop. It's closed!
What the Fook? this ain't right. What to do? Oh, hey look, another coffee shop just down the road! The Arabica(sp?) This coffee shop is a treat not to be missed. Good sounds, not too loud, good vibes, awesome Amnesia Haze! By far the best I've had so far, so I buy some more, get while the getting good, remember the 420 bag. So anyway I take a seat in the window booth and smoke it up. Peach Loosa and 3 pipes of Haze.Hot damn! I'm just way high. Now while I'm sitting here, I get to talking to my booth partners. One's an older gentleman who only smokes hash and is quite knowledgeable about it, too. A good talk, learned a lot! And on my other side there were 2 young ladies, sweet as Amsterdam waffles. One blond/blue, one brown/green. Tall and beautiful, In there early 20s ,said they were models from Germany looking for a coffee shop to party in for the evening so I told them about the 420 thing and the meet and greet going to happen at the old Amsterdam. I thought that 2 beautiful girls would be welcome to the party, figuring that there would be a few single young men about. The only problem was that the Old Amsterdam didn't open until later than expected. By the time it did they were bored and left. Oh, well! Soulrider were are you?
When Old Amsterdam finally opened I went in. It's a nice place. I'd be quite willing to visit it again. Bought some Dutch Diamonds and pop lite, kicked back on the couch by the window and piped up. Only problem was that I was still so mashed from the mass ingestion of the Ambica Haze that the smoke from the Old Amsterdam kind of got side tracked if you know what I mean. what a Bummer, But not to worry I'll do some later. When I'm straighter.
After waiting for Soulrider for about an hour without him showing, decided that this scene wasn't going to happen. So I hit the road and headed towards the red light district. Go to Basjo's. Have a coke lite and a nice sit. After this I go to the 420. Lady Grey and a gram of blueberry in a bong. Buzzed my ears off again.
Too buzzed to write, so I walk wasted! Wander around for a spell then to the Freeland, of course. I was right, I've got them nervous now! Life id funny, I'm tired and head back to the room. Yeah! Hennie loves her scarfs. She's going on a cruise soon and said she's taking them with her. Yes I was right, the colors are perfect for her. Especially the Bold red, blue and gold one. She also cooked us dinner, Stampot and old Dutch dish. Potatoes, endive & bacon cooked together with meat balls. Wonderful food and good company. I'm tired, down to the room & out to the terrace, pop and the stuff from the Old Amsterdam. Now I get it, Wow! Then stagger off to bed by 10:00. After all the good cooking I'm taking Hennie out to dinner and singing tomorrow night. It should be a hoot.
Day 11, Friday, April 17th.
UP, buzz from the mixed bag, coffee, oj, shower and out the door. I know why the Dutch love the colors of Delf so much, it's the color of a sunny Amsterdam sky. Stopped along the way at a sweet little shop and bought some silver earrings an a killer black & white top.
Then on to the 420. I go up to the bud tender and get another gram of their blueberry. This is smoke is just beautiful. The bud tender showed it to me it in light shining on it. It looks like a million tiny emeralds twinkling. Gimme, gimme, gimme. Also got a gram of NY diesel. Smooth, it is a good choice. My party bag just keeps getting bigger. Borrow my favorite bong and hit my favorite seat for a spell. Lady Grey arrives hot and sweet. I have a little bit of time before everybody starts showing up for this meet and greet, so I'm taking advantage of this window of opportunity to do some writing. I watch the people passing by, much more crowded today, starting the weekend and all. Endless movement with flashes of color intersected with black and white at times like a monster movie, but still like a 1950's film. Wow! Sunlight bouncing off old red bricks, a white blanket hanging out of a window, flashing in eh sparkling sun. An impressive and amazing city.
At around 3:00 p.m. a crowd starts showing up, standing around the bar/bud bar and introducing themselves to each other. I hear names! Names I've come to know from the forum. First AzLaker and wife, Fishing Bob & Pal, Soul Rider (finally). Had to razz Soul Rider for missing the Old Amsterdam meet and the two models. Wowsa. Pirate raff, Cappy Jack my Old Amsterdam artist buddy, and a gentleman who lives on a house boat a very nice man, but I'll be damned if I can remember his name! Rats! He and his wife run a booth in the western new market, cool stuff too. What nice people!
We all got a big table in the back room of the 420 and proceeded to get acquainted and work up spifs, bongs and vapor bags galore. We all had a very good time, an excellent first meet an greet. A bit after 6:00 I had to go, Hennie and I are going out tonight and party like we're Dutch cousins. I think everyone else went to the Paradox to continue the party.
At the room by 7:00, get changed, reapply makeup. Do a big pipe of 420 bag mix on the terrace with a strong cup of Dutch coffee and am reedy to go by 7:30. We go over in the westerpark hood to a restaurant called Eets Plak. What a nice place! old dark wood,, brown walls and filled with locals. I was the only one from out of town, so to speak. Now I think hat the Dutch people have a fine & bitchen good sense of humor. It's just very down to earth. If you are lucky enough to be allowed to enter their world, you'll find out that they're funny, kind, open hearted people. I've heard some comments that Amsterdamers are hard to get to know. I strongly disagree. These people, especially the women, are just like my people back home, like sisters, cousins, friends. I recognize the vegs they give me. Hennie had pork ribs w/ pomme fritts. I had a wild hair stew. Very interesting, a good dish. After eating we went outside to the tables and had coffee & cigarettes. The night had gone a bit chilly so we bundled up with our new scarfs and enjoyed ourselves letting our meal settle.
Afterwards we went to the 2 swans Jenever bar/cafe. This place was packed with more locals carrying on, singing, laughing, drinking beer Jenever & wine. Shoulder to shoulder. Hot as hell inside. I was laughing my ass off. It was a good night out. Everyone had a great time and nobody threw up on me, I win!
So back to Hennie's and to bed. Jammies, TV & a pipe, nite, nite.
Day 12, Saturday, April 18th.
Know what? Amsterdam is a cafe society and that is great. People meeting, eating, visiting, living at all times of the day & night. Nobody stays inside. Everyone seems to be out and about. I could get used to this! Anyway, back to the story.
Up by 7:00 this morning, I want to get to the Saturday market early so I can get the freshest and best roses for the kitchen table at Hennie's house. The ones she has need to be replaced. Another beautiful morning full of coffee and Basjoes (James') special cheese reefer. And the sleesack from the Grey Area - a good mix. Basjoes' makes me starved and Grey Area's keeps me going. -I call it sleez/cheese!!!
Out the door and to the market by 8;30. The perfect time according to Hennie. She even told me which vendor to go to for flowers, the one at the end of the market. Her advise was right on. I bought a dozen huge, long stemmed assorted colors roses for 3 freakin' Euros! My goodness! Where I'm from these roses would have cost 40 - 50 bucks on sale. These were flowers that dazzled the eyes with color and freshened the air with spring scents. Some I recognized, but a lot of them I had no idea what kind they were. I'm awed by it all. There's also an organic market today, so I buy fresh strawberries, huge & red, just begging to be sugared and eaten. After marketing * went back to the room, gave Hennie the strawberries and roses, which she loved.
Then I saw it was about time to head to Leidsplein for the St. Nicks Saturday boat tour at 2:00. So after another pipe of Sleezcheese, I'm out the door and across the street to the tram stop. After a brief 10 min wait I'm on my way. When I hit Leidsplein I hit the ATM and then strolled over to the Bulldog. It's only 1:00 and I have plenty of time. Goody, same bud tender out front and bartendress too. 1 hot chocolate with whipped cream and 1 gram of LA Conn, (I think) Go outside, hit a seat, pull out my trusty pipe and cop a good buzz, a bit harsh on my throat but damn good buzz, a fair trade off I suppose.
After half an hour of so I finished here and decide to walk across the square to Boom Chicago, for the boat tour. I waited until 2:30 and no body showed up, not even the captain! Oh, well, what the hell, it's Amsterdam, stoners show up, sometimes and sometimes they don't. Dealing with stoners in Amsterdam is like herding cats, it's nigh on to being impossible. But I even lost the boat captain? I sincerely hope that the Monday evening 420 cruise is better attended!
Aw, Fook it! I'm hungry, so on my way towards the Dam I stop at a little cafe/bakery and have a nice meal, a big toasted roast beef w blue cheese crumbles sandwich , a coke lite, of course and a most interesting muffin - it was peach and stuffed wit raspberries.
Awesome X 2, wow!Now I'm feeling full and ready to work up a new buzz, so I start traveling towards the Nes. Had no trouble finding this place as it's right of the Dam. I walk in the door and right away I like the feel of this place, mellow. Hark! Do I hear the clack of pool balls? I must go and see. I don't play anymore but I like to watch a good game of stick.. Go up to the bar & get a new drink, cassis from Fago. After the first drink, I'm hooked I grab a good table in the back room, have a seat, stuff a pipe, say howdy to the 2 guys playing pool, kick off my shoes and prop my feet up in a chair. I'm here, let's party.
Within an hour, everybody started showing up. Finally met twitch & his wife an rotten kid. What nice people all. AC/DC, Res, Liquid Swords, Red Eye Indian, Trid De, AZ Laker, & wife , Cat tales & hubby, Pirate Raff & woman, Pally wallnuts & mysterious stranger, Fishin Bob & pal & worsall & more! What a fun group, good humored and laid back, ready to have a good time. It's just amazing--- To be able to party with people from all over, all of us drawn here wit a common cause, cannabis. It almost brought a tear to my eye.
What's that I see? A vapo bag!, then another and another and so on until every one was totally blitzed + 10. I was totally stoned and groovin' on the crowd and grinnin' like an idiot ,and having a high old time. ( Pun intended ) we all were and yes, there were some pool players jessies there, they like the stick. By around 8:30 - 9;00 I'm totally bashed and ready to take off back to my digs. And leave the partying to others, just went to Dam square, found a cab, hopped in and went home & ate a bag of cookies and passed out by 10:00. WHAT A DAY!
Day 13, Sunday, April 19th
Another sunny day. Slept like a stone and up by 7:30. O. J., coffee & a morning buzz from my 420 bag. It keeps getting bigger & bigger, better & better.
Hennie has invited me to accompany her to the Sunday morning mkt. at the Waterlooplein for shopping and falafel sandwiches. She told me these were the best in Amsterdam, and she was right, they were delicious. Similar to an gyro in that they were meat in a Pita with chopped lettuce and tomatoes and a dressing on top. Fresh and hot, the were just right for an early lunch. I am not sure that they were the best in town or not, but I'm more than willing to eat them any chance I can get. After shopping for a bit and then hitting the Albert Hine for some grub, Hennie let me out in the red light district and I'm on my way towards Basjoe's for the meet and greet.
Upon my arrival I noticed a window on the side of the coffee shop had been broken out! What's up? I walk in the front door, it's open and see James inside talking to a police officer and cleaning up broken glass and splintered wood from a break in! When I asked him if everything was all right, James just shrugged the whole thing off and said to the effect that "that's life in the big city". And he's right, that's part of it.
So, while the clean up is going on, I just go next door, get a pop and sit outside in the warm sun and rest for a while. Within an hour or less everything is cleaned up, reported to the law and ready for business!
This was a good thing, because at around this time, people from the forum start showing up individually and in small groups. It's a shame that Ramses couldn't be here for this because it turned out so well. Met new people, Chilli, groupie, lemming & wife and the elusive Boner & wife again a wonderful crowd of folks. I got a gram of cheese and a coke lite then sat at the long table on the left side of the coffee shop with AzLaker & wife, Twitchs wife & rotten kid. Twitch was up running around laughing with everyone, having a good time. (he said that his headaches were getting better)
The tables were loaded and so were we all. Spiffs, pipes, bags going every which way. One of the big hits ad basjoe's beside the white cheese was the Terminator hash. That was awesome, sticky and a totally killer high. I took one hit and that was more then enough - this is just too much for an old reefer smoker like me. Too strong! We all partied and buzzed to the max. Everyone seemed to have a good time at the meet & greet, whew! I'm so glad.
At around 3:00, things started slowing down a bit. Then AzLaker reminded me about a talk we had last night concerning going to the cannabis collage. Everyone else has been there but me! So I must go see what's going on , and so I'm off.
The cannabis college is a cool place, lots of reading material about weed and a great grow room downstairs, beautiful plants well maintained, healthy and much loved. The people here are very cool also, more than capable of answering any questions concerning cannabis. I highly recommend a visit!
When I finish here it's around 4:00 or so, so I start walking towards the Nes in Dam square. A short walk so I arrive there almost before I know it. Turn the corner, in the door and let the next meet & greet begin. I walk in and it's packed with partying people. There's also a cloud in here, a big fluffy white sweet smelling cloud. "Lucy, I'm home!" everyone's saying Hi and I'm certainly hoping so.
TA DA! My wishes are granted, half way to the back I'm handed a vapo bag. By the time I've made it to a chair I've probably had 7 - 10 bags handed to me. Me being a polite individual I would never refuse. So by the time I sit, I'm already blasted. Then Twitch & AzLaker come up and ask if I've tried the Volcano yet? Well, no I haven't, May I? Fook me! What a kick! So now not only ami I blasted I'm baked too. But that's cool, because everyone else is getting their freak on, same as me. Playing pool, drinking, smoking, laughing. What good Vibes!
But by around 7:30 - 8;00 I've had about all I can ingest for now, so back out the door, & hit dam square to find a taxi, fall in and go back to the room. The nice driver made sure I got in OK. Hennie made me coffee and a ham and gouda sandwich. Marvelous. Then I went to my room, put on Jammies, turned on music and went to Slumber Land. Good Day!
Day 14, Monday, April 20th
Open my eyes to the Sun and the first thing I think is, "It's 420 today". The second thing I think is "I'm so dried out I could spit sand." So I ooze out of bed and to the sink in the shower room and drink like a camel - a two humper! After a gallon or two, I hack up a tumbleweed and go for a cup of coffee or ;five. Ah! Now I'm feeling lots better. A pot of coffee and coffee with my pot I human up a bit and hit the streets. I'm on my way to the Paradox for the start of the 420 crawl. But first I go past Freeland and talk about the weather... I make it to the Paradox by 11: Boner & wife are already there getting a bite to eat, a tosty I think.
I go to the bud tender and get a gram of Haze and a cup of coffee, then go outside and sit on the bench and light up. After about 10 min. Cattails & Hubby, AzLaker & wife came in, so I got up and went inside with the others, sat at a big table and AZ Laker lit up some Pink Kush. This was some Bitchen' smoke, I loved it. An excellent stoned feeling.
After everyone finished we all got up and started towards the Home Grown Fantasy Cattails led us right to it . (when you visit there, be sure to check out the bathroom). Upon arrival, I went inside and bought a Casies and a gram of cheese (.took a Tour of the can ) Yes ,this smoke is everything everyone said about it, most excellent! In the back room Liquid Sword, Red Eye Indian, Tri De, newbino & Twitcherino and others of course, I'm so sorry if I forget anyone, but I'm so Buzzed! Well it's crowded in here and besides the wonderful weather is calling my name. So its outside to pipe up, outside sitting at the tables are Couch, Mister X, Chili, JO, Chris, Worsall, AzLaker & wife, cattails & hubby, twitch & Family, Boner & wife, pirate Raff & woman & others. Wo hoo, high again. We all sat outside at the tables and just gabbed and bullshitted each other while acquiring another brilliant buzz.. What a great way to spend part of the 420. Sun & fun! After an hour or so it's time to go and get some food, the munchies have hit. So after walking around a bit with cat and hubby I take off and head for the Central Station area. I stop along the way and get some Pom Fritts and a pop. Thick hot and crunchy, just perfect. I finish my snack, turn the corner and there it is, Ta DA, the 420 coffee shop. What an idea! All this way to Amsterdam to celebrate a holiday that originated in California, go figure. I'm all for it. Anything for a buzz, what can I say?
It's about 3:00 or so when I walk in the door, go to the bar, get my lady grey and a gram of SSH. I have my 420 bag ready to go, it's a thing of beauty, full rich, & fine!
What's this? It looks as if here's something going on in the back room. Lights, cameras & someone answering questions. So I ask the bud tender what's happening. He says that it's an Italian television station interviewing the man who owns the 420. This guy owns the 420? I had no idea! This gentleman and I have had 1 or 2 quick talks during my visit. I never knew who he was, other than just a nice man. What is his name?
They're, all done by 3:30 and the back room is mostly open so I grab a a corner table and get comfortable, and ready to party. let's go go go!!
Suddenly, Bam! Everyone's showing up at once. Grabbing drinks, bags, seats. Saying hi to everyone or being introduced to new arrivals. At the table where I am sitting are Chilli, Fishing Bob & Pal, Twitcherino & Newbeino. AS everyone is buzzing up I toss my bag out on the table with the announcement of "Let's roll this puppy up". But How? Now, Tiitcherino & have been complementing Fishing Bob on his stellar rolling prowess, just beautiful spiff. So I ask him if he'll roll up a monster joint!
And with a little persuasion Fishing Bob said yes, Cool. But also that a good idea would be to go across the street to the little smoke shop and get some big, pre-rolled cone papers so I did (.the nice man in the shop also gave me free candy!) what a town! Because there was so much smoke piled out on the table that there was more than enough for 3-4 huge doobies, also the pile was getting bigger by the moment due to everyone at the table throwing in more bags to roll up. It looked like the hills of high. So, while Fishing Bob began the construction of superdubie, Twitcherino, Newbino, Chilli & Pal got out their grinders and began crunching it all up. .
Siting back down with my goodies ' Twitcherino & Newbino grabbed the cones and began loading them up, by the Goddess it was awsome! They were really things of beauty. But they paled in comparison to Fishing Bob's joint. It was just perfect.
We all agreed that we had never seen Better. After this I stood up and waved 2 of the huge cones and invited the fine folks of the forum to partake of this bounty. (I think there are photos somewhere) And everyone there graciously accepted. What a cool way to spend the 420...warmth, friendship, laughter. I'll always think of this time in a golden high! Like the spilling of afternoon sun through yellow curtains. Ah, sweet memories.But after a few hours of fine high fellowship, I was ready to start moving towards the Nes. But first food, next door for a Veg pizza and a fresh strawberry tart, good as usual. Then I'm off to the next 420 meet & greet at the "Nes".
This place is already rockin' when I hit the door. Let's put it this way, there were so many Vapo bags going around it looked like Macy's Thanksgiving parade. So, by the time I stagger back to the pool area I've been vapod, volcanoed, shotgunned & handed a joint.
I melt into a chair and a cassie magically appears in front of me, bless you! And then a Vapo bag.1...2...3... And so on, Enough! I have a boat trip. And I need to get my group together somehow. Help! Thank you Lemming! Without your kind, kind assistance it wouldn't have happened. I've never in my life ever seen anybody herd a group of stoners as well as Lemming, he has a terriers tenacity and a bull dogs determination. I salute you Lemming, you da man!.
When it was 7:30 or so we all got grouped together, Lemming & wife, Chilly, Twitcherino, Newbino, Pirate Raff & woman & myself and headed to Boom Chicago in Ledeinsplein square to meet Capt. Ingrid fro the St. Nicks Boat tours. We made it in plenty of time, even with a few photo ops thrown in. Capt. Ingrid was there and ready to go. So we took off walking and in about 5 min we were at the side of an canal and tied to it was a baby barge boat. Neat!
So we all board and go for a boat trip non parallel. Drinks were poured and Joints lit up. Late afternoon sun still shining. A completely different angle view of Amsterdam. Charming, simply charming, all of it. Big canals & small alike. Twitcherino smiling & waving at the ladies in the Red Light District. The Lights coming on on the barges, the wind blowing in your face, making your cheeks pink with evening chill ,beautiful.
When we passed the diamond exchange the talk shifted to diamonds for a bit. The question was asked if anyone had ever bought a diamond or diamonds there for anyone special. No one had bought from the exchange. Someone asked Capt. Ingrid, a pretty young thing, if anyone had ever bought her one. She stated somewhat resignedly that "no man has ever bought her a diamond". At which point, Twitcherino gallantly said, "miss, then the men of Amsterdam are fools".
Later in the cruise I asked Capt. Ingrid what her thoughts were on being a boat Capt. in Amsterdam and her replay was, " I've done this for 16 years whenever I could weather permitting and every trip I've taken on this little barge is different. It changes constantly yet always remains the same. If I'm lucky, I'll continue to be able to do this until the day after I die. Because there is nowhere on earth like Amsterdam" What a beautiful sentiment. It was a fine experience and I highly recommend it.
Afterwards I was tired & crashing so I bid everyone a good night, walked back to the square and got a cab back to the room. A cup of coffee from the kitchen, go to my room, stuff a pipe full of SSH fro 420, turn on the tube, kick back and call it a night.
Day 15, Tuesday, April 21st
Last full Day in Amsterdam.
Up and awake at 9:00...Way late for me. Hennie was getting worried. No need t worry, I'm fine. Shower to help wake up, drink a few pots of coffee and smoke some lovely Blueberry from the 420. I can't say enough about this smoke, a good steady high.
Then I'm out the door to say bye-bye to my beloved Amsterdam. Also have a get together to go to today, what fun! But that's later in the day.
Now, to the coffee shops! First the Freeland! These folks have had a great sense of humor about the weather joke. And when I say it's my last day in town, they seem genuinely sad to see me go. Everybody bids me farewell, Rasta man included! And they work me up a spiff of killer weed and a cup of hot tea as a good-bye gift. It was awesome smoke, whatever it was and I'm buzzing like a big dog! So, after hugs all around, I'm out the door into the sunshine!
The next stop, after taking more photos, is the 420. Again, I have to say good-bye to some wonderful people who took good care of me. This time it's a joint of SSH and a cup of my all time favorite tea, Lady Grey. I have a seat in my favorite place by the window and light it up. Bang, I'm carrying a monster buzz by now and figure it's time to get something to eat so my sugar doesn't' drop out. So out the door and around the corner to the nice shop next door.
Today I have the chicken sandwich and a chocolate eclair. The sandwich was good but the eclair was brilliant! So I thought that I'd get a box of assorted sugary goodies for the party this afternoon. Chocolate eclairs, cream puffs, strawberry tarts, tiny coconut cakes & apple fritters. A wonderful selection. I look at the clock behind the counter and see that it's already 3:30, I had better get my ass in gear. The shindig starts around 4:00.
I've got the address in my pocket, a box of goodies and I'm ready to go! Let's party down! At least I got it partially right, the down part. I'm just boogying down the street and all of a sudden I stumble on the cobbles in the sidewalk and lose my balance. My left leg buckles and I'm down on one knee. When the knee hits the pavement I hear it crack, then there's the shock of pain running up & down the limb. F***K ME! OWWW! Stick me with a fork, I'm done.
Again the nice people of Amsterdam come to my rescue! As I'm frozen in my position on one knee, afraid to move, at least 3 people ran to me offering assistance. Thank you so much. They helped me to stand and a cab was called, upon my request, to get back to Hennie's house so I could have a look at the leg. At this point I knew that for me at least, the party was over. What a f**kin drag.
Back at the house the cab driver helped me to the door and inside to a chair, then left. Well, let's just say it aint broke. It is out of commission & hurts like Hell, but it will heal with time and a good knee wrap. So I work my way out to the terrace, prop the leg up, put on an ice pack, and stuff a pipe or three with sweet blueberry from the 420, and just give it up for the day, shit fire!
At this time, Hennie comes home and she kicks into mother hen gear. She makes a Surinise dinner that was delicious.and tryed to baby me all eveing.! But a good piece of news was that during the whole fiasco I never dropped the box of goodies, so we had the dessert to end all desserts.
After this I decided to go to bed and keep the knee elevated. Ibuprofen and a good nights rest for the most part.
Up early the next morning, wrap the leg securely, take more ibp and the last of the blueberry. Then Hennie drives me to the airport. Everything's on time! Get on the plane with no problem and for a little more good luck the plane wasn't half full, I was able to find a vacant group of 3 seats and so was able to stretch out and rest on my way back home
THE END.
Hope you enjoyed this,
Hestia