What do I need to go to Amsterdam?

[Guest]

Um... yea this is a little em embarrissing but I am a youngin focusing on studies living in a townhome with 3 other students, so not much of the 'real world' yet so I was wondering what exactly I would need to go to Amsterdam as an American. Is the only thing I need is a passport? Any tips ,links and support would be very appriciated.

I am a small time grower but would love to attend all the Cannabis activities, it would be me and my dear friend, we plan to save $1,500.00 American each for a 1-1.5 week long trip, is that suffice? What are some good areas, it is so hard to read reviews on hotels...I am not sure where would be best for an event like this.

I know I asked a lot of questions, but I really want to go, if you can answer only one please do!

 

[Guest]

jacked from high times...peace

IBIZA ROCKS!

I first heard about Ibiza 12 years ago from Arjan of the Green House in Amsterdam. “It’s the most beautiful island in the world, and the best place for parties,” he told me. “It was rediscovered by hippies. Many people who visit never leave. It’s a very spiritual place.”

Located 50 miles southeast of the coast of Spain and 100 miles north of Africa, Ibiza was first settled by humans over 3,000 years ago. In 654 BC, the Phoenicians founded the town of Ibiza, one of the first towns created in Europe. It quickly became a center for trading as well as a favorite target for pirates. At the time “white gold” (salt) was the most important export.

Ibiza was conquered by Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Arabs and Moors, forcing the inhabitants to eventually build walls, forts and towers to fight off future invaders. The local farmhouses have an entirely unique architecture that has changed little since the Stone Age. Because of the lack of private property, Ibiza is a great place for hiking, and the local vegetation is wonderfully unique due to the island’s isolation from the rest of the world.

But today people don’t go to Ibiza to hike or look at the architecture—they go to party. In fact, over the last few years, it’s become the prime destination for English, German and Scandinavian tourists, who descend in droves during the summer. During the day, they hang out on the crowded beaches (there are more than 70 on the island), but at night they pack the monster rave clubs and listen to pounding techno music. Some clubs hold more than 5,000 people and come complete with swimming pools and foam cannons. It’s a very hedonistic environment, and many of the clubs put on circus-style stage shows that rival anything found in Las Vegas. The nightlife scene doesn’t really even start until after midnight and goes until dawn.

The first annual World Marijuana Film Festival (WMFF) was held in Ibiza from May 28 to June 3, when the island is warm enough to enjoy the beaches but slightly ahead of the major tourist crunch that begins in June. Any devoted stoners considering a trip to Spain or Europe should make the WMFF the focus of any future trip. Not only will they be relaxing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, they’ll also be in a country that has completely decriminalized marijuana and is rapidly becoming known for some of the best outdoor-grown cannabis in the world.

And they’ll also be enjoying a sneak preview of some soon-to-be-released films involving marijuana. Since the WMFF happens the week after the Cannes Film Festival, we’re hoping some prominent members of the film community will start making the annual pilgrimage directly from France. This year the award-winning documentary AKA Tommy Chong (directed by Josh Gilbert) was the featured documentary at the festival. The film is due to have a theatrical release in the USA begining in mid-June 2006.

Another advantage to attending the WMFF is rubbing shoulders with many of the biggest names in cannabis. Arjan of Green House, Derry of Barney’s and Reeferman of Reeferman Seeds are just a few of the cannabis celebrities who will not only be in attendance, but will also be bringing films they produced to debut at the festival. Naturally, you’ll be able to sample the local cannabis and hash while watching all the films.

If you do decide to make this trip, bring plenty of money, especially if you want to sample the nightlife: Drink and food prices are relatively high for Spain. Also, keep in mind that local law enforcement has a reputation for strong-arm tactics when dealing with drunken tourists. Be polite and obedient if you run across the police and you probably won’t have any problems. And remember that while possession of small amounts of cannabis is entirely legal, trafficking is not.

If you’re interested in booking an all-inclusive travel package to the next World Marijuana Film
Festival, go to www.apothecarytravel.com. —SH

NEGRIL'S POT PARADISE

Negril is just 45 miles west of Montego Bay and is located on the beautiful west end of the island of Jamaica. Once a hippie enclave in the ’60s, Negril maintains its liberal roots and day-long party atmosphere, which has made it a cult vacation favorite for hip modern-day stoners. With its seven miles of white sand beach, sunsets over the ocean and towering coral cliffs, Negril is the jewel of the Caribbean.

Upon arriving in Montego Bay, known as Mo’ Bay, you will immediately be immersed into Jamaican culture by introduction to its people. Ganja is everywhere and will be offered to you frequently, probably even before you leave the airport. However tempting, it’s best to wait as you will get better deals in Negril, which is just a short and scenic drive by taxi or bus.

The town of Negril is basically split up into two areas off one main road. First, there’s the beach, and a few miles further west are the cliffs. The cliffs provide the deep cover that a pot smoker needs to openly enjoy his indulgences, and the beach offers the perfect place to sit and drink a frozen rum punch and play in the sun. There are many restaurants and bars along the beach that offer drink and food specials all day and night, and many offer live entertainment in the evenings. The cliffs offer private dining and drinks among tropical gardens overlooking the crystal-blue waters. There’s nothing more peaceful than the sound of the waves crashing against the coral rocks while you’re enjoying fresh lobster or spicy jerk chicken. The key question is: Do you get a hotel on the beach, or do you stay in the quiet privacy of the cliffs? This is a dilemma many people solve by staying a few days at each location and then switching hotels in order to get the best of both worlds—the beach and the cliffs.

The food in Negril is as amazing as the scenery. Of course there are the must-haves—grilled jerk chicken, patties, rum cakes—but my favorite food comes from a street vendor named Leroy. Located across from Catcha Falling Star, Leroy primarily works by appointment only, providing you with your own privately catered dinner and some of the best and truly authentic jerk chicken with rice and peas that can be had.

Although drugs are illegal in Jamaica, they are prevalent everywhere. Many different varieties of ganja can be had for a fraction of the price we pay here in the States. ’Shrooms are openly sold and can even be bought in milkshakes at Ted’s, which is located off the cliffs on the west end. Hash is also available, but be very wary—it’s usually scuff, a surprisingly convincing blend of shoe polish, wax and broken-up herb. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is: If the locals aren’t smoking it, neither should you.

Negril is truly a paradise, but you need to watch out for potential buzzkills—dehydration, sunburn and over-intoxication can all be trip killers. Be careful when venturing out at night and stay off the roads. Negril can be a dangerous place if you get too careless, so try to stay sharp.

You’ll find that Negril is the premier pot-smoker’s destination in the Caribbean, and once you go there, you’ll be back again and again. Just trust me and do like the commercial says: “Come to Jamaica and let’s feel alright.” I know I’ll be there! —PS

AMSTERDAM: CANNABIS CAPITAL

Amsterdam is truly one of the greatest party cities in the world, especially if you’re a pothead. Not only is it home to arguably the best marijuana in the world, but it’s also the freest in its attitudes toward smoking pot. Personal amounts of marijuana can be purchased and imbibed in any of a hundred different coffeeshops. Keep in mind that outside of coffeeshops, smoking is still frowned upon, so it’s not a great idea to light up in the streets. Before lighting up in a bar, be sure to ask the bartender if they allow cannabis smoking—most of them don’t.

One of the best things about the city is that it’s small enough that you can get just about anywhere on foot, so just pick up a map (preferably one from our Cannabis Cup Guide, which has the better coffeeshops marked) and start wandering around. Sure, you could rent a bicycle, but navigating the city’s busy, unfamiliar streets while high (and possibly drunk) is not very stoner-smart.

Dam Square toward the north is basically the heart of the city, surrounded by concentric semi-circles of streets (straats) and canals (grachts) that spread out around it toward the south. Cutting almost straight down through the middle is the main shopping strip, Leidsestraat, which ends at the bustling Leidseplein Square, filled with some of the best bars, restaurants and stores. Along the way, you can veer off to visit some of the chillest coffeeshops in the city—among them, de Rokerij, de Dampkring and one of the several Green House locations. For some of the best hash in the city, in terms of both quality and variety, head southeast of the Dam to the Bluebird, which has two binders displaying tons of domestic and imported hashish. In addition, there are numerous shops around town that sell fresh mushrooms and peyote if you’re in a psychedelic mood.

When the munchies hit, the Leidseplein has some great Indian, Thai and Italian restaurants, Argentinian steakhouses, killer falafel spots, as well as fast-food favorites like Burger King and Mickey D’s for the less adventurous. If you’re feeling homesick, the Marriott and American hotels serve a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day (but make advance reservations!). Whatever you do, avoid the street-side food dispensaries like FEBO, as there is a high potential for “contamination,” if you take my meaning. And if you want ketchup with your fries, you’ll have to ask for it—the Dutch eat theirs with mayo.

For art lovers, there’s nothing more fun than chowing down on a space cake and hitting a museum, particularly the Van Gogh or the Rijksmuseum, where you can see the gigantic Dutch Masters paintings come to life before your eyes. In fact, this year is the 400th birthday of Rembrandt, so there are special exhibits on display in many of the city’s museums. There are also the less conventional museums devoted to hash, sex, erotica and torture, as well as the sobering Anne Frank House.

After a long, hard day of getting high, you’ll be ready for some nightlife, and Amsterdam has something for everyone. For those into hip-hop, house and trance, there are happening dance clubs like Sinners in Heaven and Odeon. Those who lean more towards hard rock can hit dive bars like The Cave, Korsakoff or The Black and White. For live music, the Melkweg and Paradiso book major international acts, or you can check out some cool blues or jazz at Bourbon Street. If you’re in it for the long haul, there’s always after-hours at the Dolphins café. And, of course, there’s always the infamous Red Light District, where the randy and curious stroll the streets ogling the semi-nude prostitutes standing in the windows.

The weather around that time is pretty chilly and rainy, so be prepared to bundle up. Sure, the weather there may be a bit nicer in the summer, but there’s just no substitute for that last week in November when the Cannabis Cup rolls into town. Coffeeshops prepare all year to impress the thousands of stoners who descend upon the city, rolling out the special offers and free samples—and HIGH TIMES throws one hell of a party, featuring big-name musical performances and a gala awards show.

Bottom line: If you’re going to Amsterdam for the weed, you want to go to the Cannabis Cup. —BB

 

[baccas125]

Don't forget your mastercard or visa.

 

[Guest]

Nice brain! I like that island one first, sounds awsome! I am definatley looking for a place to smoke more freely in what I do... I am not much of a 'partier' unless over there party means smoking (oppose to drinking in the America's).

So a passport and money and my 'emergency' visa haha... thanks guys.

 

[Guest]

Nice brain! I like that island one first, sounds awsome! I am definatley looking for a place to smoke more freely in what I do... I am not much of a 'partier' unless over there party means smoking (oppose to drinking in the America's).

So a passport and money and my 'emergency' visa haha... thanks guys.

If you don't like drinking - Don't go to ibiza!

 

[TimewarP]

100 bux a day is plenty to have a good time in the dam.. look up canalboats and apartments for rent if youll be there that long.. it might end up being cheaper than a hotel.
i usually only go for a coupla days so use hostels cause id rather spend my money on weed [unless i go with the girls..then its plush all the way] also hostels are used to sky high dudes showing up at all hours so they just laff.. sometimes you can even negotiate a bit of a break in price [so long as theyr not busy] if your there for a while

may ii suggest putting the cash on your visa then going to the machine every couple days instead of walkin round with a wad. i havent heard of many stick-ups but pickpockets are common.

theres a few laundrys too so its easy to get away with not too many duds

oh yeah.. !important! TAKE A COMPASS
ive been all over the frikkin world and i have never been so lost[in a city] as in amsterdam! the streets curve and the names have no logic. ESPECiALLY if your used to the north amerikan grid pattern .. more important than a map imo
its not that big a place.. but one bridge and canal can look like another
getting mega baked dosnt help with navigation either

compass. 5bucks well spent. get two.

good luck.. look at the product before purchase and if it dosnt look good, dont buy it just cause your there. theres lots of competition and sometimes even the best shoppes are down to crumbs.. the uknown place next door might have the dank

 

[TimewarP]

check with your bank b4 you leave.. exchanging or withdawing your loot as euros might be cheaper/better rate from your own institution.
dont let them convince you to buy travellers cheques unless your prone to loosing stuff.
this is actually why i suggested taking money out the machine when you get there cause currency exchange is often costly [shitty rate plus a few euro charge]and the money out the machine will be euros!!
its not unheard of for peeps to get rolled and a card is nearly useless to them. just make sure with your bank that your card will work in europe. you might need a new p.i.n. [and they might give you a spare which is always a good idea when travelling]

if you do take your $ ive found a good place for exchange is a little dodgy [looking] place on the damrak.. across from where the canalboat tours are theres a line of touristy resturants and souvenier shops. its a little place but the best rates in the area. theyr no commision so its extra good if your only doing a bit of money.. dont go to the official place in the train station [altho its the earliest place open] cause they charge commission on top of the bad rate expect to be shocked when they hand you a much smaller wad of cash.. the rates these days are pretty shite [and about to get worse considering several major countries have now outlawed the use of the dollar, china no longer takes dollars for investment and opec begins trading in euros]

no need to be as paranoid as sweitdreams is unless your prone to following wierdos selling [fake] blow/e's into dark alleys. i read once that learning a strong russian 'nyet!' is a good way of getting rid of scumbags pestering you to buy whatever theyr [pretending] to sell.. and it works a charm

yur way more likely to be pickpocketed than mugged
cargo pockets are harder to get picked, change is good too as theres 2euro coins so its easy to carry 40bux. dont have your stuff in your coat either.. i was in homegrown fantaseeds and this amerikan girl's jacket got swiped.. none of us saw who did it!!

s'actually a good thing about going there in winter. the street scammer population is almost non-existent

oh yeah, supposedly you are meant to have your passport with at all times but unless you look underage you will never ever get asked for it except when you check in at your hotel. i suggest leaving it at the hotel.. a bit hidden of course.

and i was serious about the compass. cant stress it enough

 

[gaiusmarius]

what are you guys trying to do here? ruin the dutch tourist trade? Rofl!

i found amsterdam to be a real harmless and safe city. even in the red light district, you can walk about at 3 am by yourself in the darkest alleys and the worst that will happen is you'll be offered sex and drugs, lol.

there are no muggings to speak of. maybe a pickpocket if you are particularly careless and spaced out.

a great tip for those that don't even want to hear the street dealers sales pitch and don't want to be bumped by pickpockets. just rent a bike and you will never even notice that side of amsterdam.

of course you need to use common sense and don't follow shady characters into dark alleyways.

 

[TimewarP]

what are you guys trying to do here? ruin the dutch tourist trade? Rofl!

nah, just a freindly warning cause europe [not just ams] is far more common for pickpockets than north amerika

there are no muggings to speak of. maybe a pickpocket if you are particularly careless and spaced out.

yeah, i said that .. but i disagree about the picks.. i was picked while playing pinball once [they stole a folded up map heh] and i wasnt out of it.. then another time i felt a hand go in my coat pocket while waiting to purchase at a reputable shoppe, turned around grabbed the guy and the manageress threw him out.. it does happen.. especially in summer

a great tip for those that don't even want to hear the street dealers sales pitch and don't want to be bumped by pickpockets. just rent a bike

YES!

 

[tornado]

i read once that learning a strong russian 'nyet!' is a good way of getting rid of scumbags pestering you to buy whatever theyr [pretending] to sell.. and it works a charm

hehehehe...

the 'nyet' thing is really good one. never try but will next time and give a feedback.

good stuff.

 

[THC4SIM]

My tip is save as much money as you possibly can, cause you will probably use it, if not then all's good and you can take it home with you..., i do recommend putting your money onto a card and just use the ATM to draw money out as you need it..
ive ended up spending over a grand££ in a weekend, its so easy to do if you wanna try everything!!

But most of all Enjoy ya self!!

 

[Guest]

i'd definately take more than 100 bux a day,( thats only 76 euros) ,,a gramm of top grade bubble(20-45euros) and 5 gramms of weed(40-70 euros ) are gonna cost u 100 bux easily

 

[THC4SIM]

you'll probably need $50 just for KFC!!
you have to pay just to piss in KFC, they take the piss!!

 

[Guest]

yeah $50 on munchies and drinks is easily done ,a bottle of magners cider and a vodka an coke at the majestic bar on dam square was nearly $20 ,coffeshops averaged $15 for the same drinks ,,Amsterdam isnt eazy on a budget

 

[TimewarP]

1200 euro in 10 days isnt so bad. maybe pay your hotel/apartment bill on plastic before you leave if you think youll run out [apologies for using bux instead of euros.. force of habit.. ill use spacebux or duckets or clams next time]

and while its certainly possible to puff all that hazy has mentioned.. its not a contest.

on a weekender its easy to go ballistic but if your there 10 days .. well, after a few days youll likely just puff your normal amount. b-sides, 5g times 2 people equals a doobie every 45 minutes all day long

perhaps these dudes work in a coffeeshop and theyr trying to drum up business.. heh

if you dont drink much booze youll do fine, just pace yerselves.. i suppose a lot of people arent used to good ganja so they go nutz.. if your a farmer like you say you are, smokin a bazillion j's a day wont be a novelty

 

[TimewarP]

My tip is save as much money as you possibly can, cause you will probably use it

this is true of course
im ALWAYS poor near the end.. thats when i end up checking out the parks and flowermarket and botanical gardens and redlight instead of coffeshoppes [and puff from leftover bags]

also wanted to say.. make sure to check if theres any good shows.. paradiso is famous for music -sometimes even suprize shows by musicialn who just happen to be in amsterdam [and ran out of money no doubt www.paradiso.nl] and melkweg too.. in leidersplein[sp?] theres a box office/ticketmaster type place called 'aub' not only do they have info on every gig in town but they have a computer at the front that lists the shows that day and if theres tickets left they sometimes sell for half price

 

[brightside]

oh yeah.. !important! TAKE A COMPASS
ive been all over the frikkin world and i have never been so lost[in a city] as in amsterdam! the streets curve and the names have no logic. ESPECiALLY if your used to the north amerikan grid pattern .. more important than a map imo
its not that big a place.. but one bridge and canal can look like another
getting mega baked dosnt help with navigation either

compass. 5bucks well spent. get two.

Alternatively you can take your directions from the canals not the streets - once you have worked out the 'horseshoe' it all starts to make sense - the streets wind in all sorts of directions - the canals are more or less straight lines

 

[prepress420]

I've wandered around the south edge of the Frederiksplein in the fog/rain in the middle of the night for an hour looking for the Hemp Hotel. Finally found the taxi stand and was driven 50 meters to the hotel. 6 Euros, could have bought 2 compasses.

 

[brightside]

but prepress420 like me you are a Regular at the hemp hotel

perhaps I am wrong (there are no canals to follow in Frederiksplein !!!)

perhaps a compass is a good idea

 

[prepress420]

Two streets below Frederiksplein is the Singelgracht (not the Singel), along Stadhouderskade. I was circling the big Nederland Bank. Didn't have a clue which direction to go. This was seven years ago, but I still sometimes go the wrong way leaving Dutch Flowers...