More Gin than Sin (Amsterdam 2006)

I've just returned from a four-day excursion to Amsterdam, accompanied by a couple of friends, D & F. I'd mainly wanted to go visit the Ritman Library - a large collection of Hermetica and related materials - but also generally have a 'get-away' with a few friends. I'd also booked a surprise session for myself, D&F, in Flotation Tanks, followed by a proper massage!

The trip was great, no travel problems, the accomodation was sufficient, and well-placed (mainly by accident) inbetween the Central Station area, Abraxas Coffee Shop (which became a regular haunt) and the Ritman library itself. Even the Koan Float place was nearby!

We indulged in far more Gin than Sin, of course, although we did do the obligatory gawp up and down the Red Light District (or at least the main drag) which was somewhat surreal. Another memory of Amsterdam will be olfactory; the smell of dope was everywhere, particularly the hotel room, and noticeable even walking up the streets!

Hotel http://www.amsterdamby.com/belga/pages/gallery.htm
Flotation Place http://www.koan-float.com/
Abraxas Site http://www.abraxasparadise.nl/

The Floatation experience was pretty neat, as well, although 45mins was only a 'taster'. I did get some weird effects, mainly time-distortion. I did a few exercises, and found the best astral practice was the Rose-Cross ritual, as it suited the general floaty 'out of it' sensation. There was definately something re-birth/womb-like about clambering out of the pod afterwards, dripping in thick salty water. That hadn't even occured to me until I was getting out!