day 15
the last full day
and yes it's raining
according to the weather report
rain all day
tomorrow the sun and the heat wave begins
so it is what it is
i will love Amsterdam in the rain
I am up a 9:30 could not stay in bed any longer
oh I do pray the days unfolds like the others with sun and clear skies in the afternoon
nah, ain't gonna play out that way-
it's walking in the rain, all day. but a nice light rain
with thankfully very little wind
we have little errands today
-a wine glass broke in the dish washer, so we will replace it.
always benefits to take a responsible action,
just in case we want to stay here again. : >
off to blokkers to get a replacement
found a set of 6 glasses, same shape for 4e
wanted to buy one. but couldn't. just bought the six pack and figured we could break 4
and she still would have two glasses. : >
after the foray into the saturday shopping parade -
what a mass of people snaking thru the klaverstraat
no stopping once you enter into that flow
was reminiscent of walking in China, shoulder to shoulder people
after that.
we need a break
off to; abaraxas
wow love their Hawaiian haze
met a gentleman- a wine salesman
born in Canada and living in Brazil
he wanted to share his life's soap opera story
his life was complex, but full of love and respect
he wanted to hear bits of our story
he said at least 4 times that we should:
write a book
(interesting as the night before, prior to drifting off to sleep, I had asked for a sign or direction
as to where my attention should be pointed)
a book? huh...
next step pucinni bonboni
gifts for others and for us
across the street is our next stop
wyngaard kaas
http://www.wijngaardkaas.nl/en/proeflokaal/
we meant to do a cheese and wine tasting (but the colds and phlegm kept us away)
anyway
you do not have to actually sign up for a tasting
just walk into the shop
they have samples of all their cheeses FREELY available
all labeled as 6 month old - 1 year old - 2 year old of the same cheese--
amazing how time changes the flavor of the cheese
if you are into such things - it is quite the treat
we bought a variety of cheeses back as gifts and for us too!
back to the apartment with our goodies
grab the dog and then trek to Paradox
the locals declare that what we have is the Amsterdam flu
we are told that it's good for us - make us stronger
the mate grumbles how he understands how people in the past died of the flu
buy space cakes for the trip
meet a group of 4 newly retired folks from N Carolina and Washington
they had first come to Amsterdam on a Rick Steves tour
(which actually took them to Paradox where they were given a lecture
think I actually witnessed one of these many years ago)
this is their return trip. They smoked when they were young, joined the world
and stopped smoking due to work and responsibility. Now that they are retired and in their words: they are ready
to become reunited with the weed.
(there must be a large segment of the population that fits that scenario)
they are a bit uptight. After two tokes they are very stoned, can not hold their train of thought.
We continue to smoke and they are incredulous that we are coherent and intelligent while high
gotta get out and walk
so much to soak in
i tell my feet to pay attention and draw up that wonderful energy into my body
remember
you are here
we roam the nines
walked past a place i had not noticed before
i-talia
http://www.i-talia.net/
could not resist buying a slice of their thick crusted pizza.
OMG - if you are in the area, stop in and buy something to eat
it is pick up and eat on the street food or make a picnic
oh wow DELICIOUS!
take the dog back home
do some basic pre packing organizing
go out and just walk more
(it is too wet for the bikes)
the clouds are so amazing
different than NY clouds
they have more depth,
it's like there are 20 dimensions as opposed to just a mere three
they are like the paintings of the old masters
almost over the top in the ornate billowing shades of light and dark
A Masterpiece above our heads
eventually made our way toward the street that la Perla is on
Tweede Tuindwarsstraat
it is saturday. everything is crowded
but this street tends to get busier as the night goes on.
We spy empty tables at Patio Restaurant,
it is 7:30pm and they are gracious enough to seat us
within 15 minutes the place is packed with local residents
after being seated and looking over the menu, i realize that i
don't really want what they are offering for vegetarians.
when the wait person comes back, I explain my dilemma
and what i would really like to eat
she says no problem and comes back with gently steamed
vegetables in a delicate sauce and rice.
after sustenance
went to Spirit for a last round of
pin ball
again this place is a really quiet local shop
one guy playing a machine.
the others are all available
people quietly sitting around talking, playing cards...
the mate was in fine form and took the title away from me
he will be returning to NY as the grand puba
he is very happy
he deserves it. really.
i have been terribly erratic in my play.
we leave and go
next door for
gelatti
then reluctantly
back to the apartment
for a couple more joints to fortify us before the actual packing
walked up the stairs and we both saw a large gray mouse
dash across the living room floor
nay
too big it was a rat!
we know the difference.
lucky we are relaxed and are just relieved that he seemed to find a way out
pack and sleep
nothing left to do
we have smoked everything we have acquired
turn off the lights
close the eyes
one last goodnight