“Extraordinary”, “wonderful”, “refreshing” and “nice” are all great words but not one truly describes my thoughts on the Netherlands. What a place!

My entire life I had wanted to go to Amsterdam. As a kid, I imagine it was the fascination with tulips and windmills and wooden Dutch shoes that intrigued me. But as an adult I realized it was all meant to be- my little stoner soul was meant for the fair town of Amsterdam and the comfortable old world ambiance of places like Maastricht and Ultricht.

Cobblestone streets, laid out by hand and photo-perfect canals, twinkling in the daylight, give way to nighttime beauty. Bring your flash, your cell phone, an artist pencil and paper- anything: you will want to save and savor everything you see.

Bring your appetite for chocolate, too- it’s the best. Photos were taken of THAT, too. We drank hot chocolate as well- there is nothing in the states to compare to a cup of warm, dutch hot chocolate. The calories didn’t matter- we did A LOT of walking and had room for some extra indulgence. In fact, we did so much walking and enjoyed it so much that we are anxious to walk MORE, so the whole visit was rather transformational, on many levels.

Coffee shops seem to get the most questions and comments when I tell people I went to Amsterdam. Yes, the coffee shops are as great as you can imagine. Of course, we found a few favorites, like Rookies and Lost in Amsterdam. Most coffee shops sell weed and coffee, tea and fresh (yes FRESH) squeezed juices. I liked the fresh juices. Turns out folks from the Netherlands live a lot healthier than we do in the states: they walk and they drink and eat good quality, fresh foods. That being said, they do have McDonalds., but here in the states we don’t have the Mickey D’ like they do- theirs can be quite picturesque. The one in Ultricht was hundreds of years old and gorgeous. Seriously.

Lost in Amsterdam does not sell weed. Which was more than fine. I had plenty and really wanted a great place to roost after shopping. You can get a hot chocolate or a refreshing adult beverage at Lost in Amsterdam- and strike up a conversation with THE FRIENDLIEST, really nicest of the nice. When I go back the first place I will go is Lost. Maybe the second. There is something just magnificent about sitting down at a bar, ordering a drink, and pulling out a bubbler and enjoying a non-snuck smoke, right there.

The architecture in the Netherlands is incredible. Retrofitting is done rather than demolition, so the old is made new yet the history is all still there. Inside and out, every where you look things are just done “right”. Aesthetically, the Netherlands are a feast for the eyes. Everything is just “so”. I believe they call it “gazzelling”, but I cannot find the spelling for the word. I must go back and ask again. Darn.

The cherry on the cake this trip, aside form meeting really great people, buying mushrooms in retail stores, and laughing constantly for a week (with and without the ‘shrooms) was the trip to the Therma 2000. Where else can you find a half mile long indoor/outdoor hot tub? Spend a day at the Thermal and you’ll work all the kinks out. Well, most of them- some kinks are better left for your partner! The Therma 2000 is a place you will never forget- just like the rest of the Netherlands.

My guide, Bill, was great. He’s been to Holland 14 times now, and he sure knew his stuff. Bill has all the coffee shops rated, knows the hidden indoor garden spots, the best places to eat (and eat and eat), where to buy weed the cheapest and who has the best selections and where the best day trips are. In fact, RastaVacations hired Bill to handle the Netherlands and help their clients after our travels- he sure put a nice trip together for us, and has done so for YOU as well. He knows his stuff- My trip was incredible.

I would check the Netherlands off my “bucket list” but it’s not a place you just visit one time- the Netherlands stays in your heart. I will go back, once, twice a year- more if I can. In the Netherlands I found tolerance, art, civility and culture. I found people from all parts of the globe, and a variety of foods to match. I found innovation and acceptance. And, I found a home away from home, complete with wonderful friends.

Amsterdam/The Netherlands- What a place- all that you would expect and so much more! I “high”ly recommend you go- while you can and whenever you can.

The Netherlands: refreshment for your soul.

Kathy

Ok, so I open my email this morning to find the following. Laughed my ass off. Even forwarded it. Haven’t forwarded something like this for years.

“I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, the wars, lost jobs, Savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc…….I called Lifeline. Got a freakin’ Call Center in Pakistan . I told them I was suicidal. They all got excited and asked if I could drive a truck.”

PayPal users beware! I have just learned that you can be banned from PayPal FOREVER because something you WANT to do violates their terms of service.

I used my personal PayPal account, which I have had for over 10 years, as the main account for payments when setting up this site. Though no payments were ever taken from the site via PayPal on that account, none the less it has been frozen and I have been banned from PayPal for LIFE. Because I wanted to possibly take payments for something that apparently they can not tolerate on any level – travel to places that are marijuana friendly. Our service violates no laws where offered. We’re simply using our connections to make sure you have a good vacation. Just like any other travel company. Who may use their connections to hook you up with the best winery, brewery or even restaurant or some other “locals only” insider type deal.

I can no longer buy from 90% of all Ebay sellers. I can no longer purchase at the majority of websites that have only one form of payment they accept. All because I wanted to do something. The worst part is I can see their side. They have gotten so big and so powerful they must flee even the appearance of impropriety, lest someone point out something more sinister about them. Hell, if I was pushing their apple cart I’d be doing everything in my power to keep it from becoming upset too. While most buyers don’t do the math, the fact of the matter is approximately 4% of every dollar spent through PayPal goes to them as a fee. How much is being done daily? Well, according to their VP of product development, Said Osama Bedier, “We’ll do 70 billion in sales this year, but there’s $30 trillion dollars being spent globally. We need to tap into this… You are the X factor.”

SEVENTY BILLION. Yeah, I’d protect that too. Luckily for us all they’re not the only game in town.

There was a programming error that was stopping the newsletter software from working properly. That’s been addressed. Also, coming some time today visitors will be able to add marijuana related events to the events calendar.

Apparently, running something like this and trying to take payments via PayPal is a big “no no.” Why I will find out on Monday. It may not have to do with RastaVacations at all but with my site cannabisdeliveryservice.com. Don’t know yet. Just know that PayPal has shut me down.

Check out this article I found on getting a doctor medical recommendation California. http://www.ehow.com/how_2117436_prescription-medical-marijuana-california.html

The new software for tracking marijuana related events has been launched with a starter set of events. New events will be added as soon as the software for that is completed. Click to access from home page.

Check out our Marijuana Discovery Tour PowerPoint! Just figured out today how to get the size reasonable and not really sure how we did but we did! Update – 11/07/2009 – converted to flash and an embedded video can been viewed on the home page. Medical Marijuana Discovery Tours flash is here.

Man am I frustrated. Tim Lincecum gets busted for Marijuana. I’m frustrated not because he make’s money living his dream and does something that stupid. I’m angry because he could have stayed home, gotten “shit-faced” drunk, and it wouldn’t matter. But because it’s marijuana or some other “unacceptable” drug, he’s screwed.

Hypocrites of the world, shut up for a change! Whether I want to smoke a little herb or do like actor David Carridine, it’s none of your business as long as I don’t force it on you.

Personally, I truly dislike the over consumption of alcohol and what it does to people. Mind you, I like the occasional beer or mixed drink myself but having over done tequila once to often in my younger days I am afraid of “the line” and I stay as far away as possible. I even go so far as to avoid certain people when they cross the line. But as much as it kills me to “hold my tongue” and not judge them, I must. For who am I to do so?

Big deal.  Another sports figure likes the herb.  Well, considering just how many people like the herb, I would say there are doctors, and lawyers, and even judges too…rocket scientists, webmasters, and travel agents…and you?  Comment if you will!

After more than enough tinkering I got the store “look and feel” to where it’s acceptable.  I’m sure there will be some tweaks but for now it’s there.  We also got accepted into Google Voice and got the phone number 657-GO4HERB! (657-464-4372)   Better yet, click the “Call Me” button at the top of every page and Google will connect you for FREE.

I’ve also been twittering like mad and our followers are increasing quickly.  If you twitter, be sure and send one out for @rastavacations!