So I went up to Vancouver for the first time in a while to see some friends who were touring together......
Been a while since I've spent anytime there.
First, the USD was going for .90 in exchange.
I overheard a funny comment from a bartender, when I paid our tab with cash.....
He was telling another guy behind the bar how people are "dumping" their US dollars now....
I finally made the trek to Hastings street and hit the Amsterdam Cafe.
What a trip. Great people running the place, too. The guy behind the counter who sold me a small pipe started talking to me about how it seems us Americans are trying to rule the whole world. Not knowing my politics, of course.
But I loved the whole vibe in there. Europe is one thing, but this was a mere 40 miles form the US Border.
People sitting around smoking up, and feeling so free to do so.
Later in the evening I spoke with a cop who got the gig backstage, and I asked him about the place.
He said he knew it well, and there were no problems like those associated with bars and drunks.
And it's been a while since I've made the border crossing by car.
Going into canada, you are treated with respect, kindness, and a smile....
Coming back over, it was pure Gestapo.
I had my License, Passport, and was driving my Rover.....
Yet I was grilled by a jack-booted thug and treated like he already knew I was trouble, and was just looking for an excuse to roust me.
Coming into my own home country, dealing with a fellow American whose salary my taxes pay for, was eye opening.
Overall it was a good time. I love Canadians. They're the nicest hosts you could imagine.
And by all means, hit the Amersdam Cafe if you get the chance.
Been a while since I've spent anytime there.
First, the USD was going for .90 in exchange.
I overheard a funny comment from a bartender, when I paid our tab with cash.....
He was telling another guy behind the bar how people are "dumping" their US dollars now....
I finally made the trek to Hastings street and hit the Amsterdam Cafe.
What a trip. Great people running the place, too. The guy behind the counter who sold me a small pipe started talking to me about how it seems us Americans are trying to rule the whole world. Not knowing my politics, of course.
But I loved the whole vibe in there. Europe is one thing, but this was a mere 40 miles form the US Border.
People sitting around smoking up, and feeling so free to do so.
Later in the evening I spoke with a cop who got the gig backstage, and I asked him about the place.
He said he knew it well, and there were no problems like those associated with bars and drunks.
And it's been a while since I've made the border crossing by car.
Going into canada, you are treated with respect, kindness, and a smile....
Coming back over, it was pure Gestapo.
I had my License, Passport, and was driving my Rover.....
Yet I was grilled by a jack-booted thug and treated like he already knew I was trouble, and was just looking for an excuse to roust me.
Coming into my own home country, dealing with a fellow American whose salary my taxes pay for, was eye opening.
Overall it was a good time. I love Canadians. They're the nicest hosts you could imagine.
And by all means, hit the Amersdam Cafe if you get the chance.

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