I totally missed this conversation.
I stayed above the grey area for a month in 2002 whilst my friend was working security in the ladies houses

Funny you guys mentioning it.
I really enjoyed the NYC diesel from there and have fond memories.
My favourite shop used to be the old Dampkring. (Post office not the oceans 11 craphole) The Greenhouse had the best smoke consistently when I was there and were perm winning cups.
I used to enjoy relaxing in the Pink Floyd because it was run by Scottish folks. There was another shop across the canal from the Grasshopper? that I always used to go pretend to read a book in.
Big shout out for the Jazz clubs as well in Amsterdam that i could pretend to be cultured in and get baked with the band.
Good fun place if you respect it.