Amsterdam

[rh2752]

My buddies and I are planning a trip next year to Van Halen country
(Holland). Has anyone been there? How is it? When should we go? What places should we hit? Thanks.

[ZORBA5150]

I haven't been there in years. But if you like the touristy places, then go to the Grasshopper and The Bulldog (you'll see picture of VH on the walls). Or check out some of the smaller cafes/bars- they are more local, with good music usually played- rock, reggae. The locals will look at you funny if you use pipes, instead of papers for your weed. Many different varities to choose from at many places. The Van Gogh museum is nice, if you like that kind of stuff. Taking a boat tour is fun too. There are some cool dance clubs as well- the names escape me. The sex museum is worthless- just displays about the history of it, and some private porno stations. There are live sex shows at some clubs.- never saw them though

I walked around the red-light district but did not partake. Was a little shady- I wouldn't walk around there alone.

I was there for 4 days. Smoking a bowl, reading the day old USA Today, pastries, and a Heiniken became my daily routine for breakfast.

[sisca]

i went to amsterdam about 10 or so years ago to visit this HOT dutch chick. i dont remember much of amsterdam, because i was so completely and totally loaded. thats why i took pictures! its really a beautiful city, hell the whole country is awesome. but, make sure when youre in amsterdam, make sure you go to a shoarma grill and go to a club called the "IT" . red light district...well, if youre into hookers, thats your place. and most of them are hot. no i didnt. i also took a ride thru the canals...its really interesting! have fun! oh, and dont drink the jenever. it will kick your ass. trust me.

[rh2752]

Thanks for the info. how many days would you say would be good to stay there? My friends are saying three days and I think four days would be good to do and see everything.

[vhrocker]

Damn I WANNA go.

[graeme]

One of the most beautiful cities on the planet and the Dutch are one of the friendliest nationalities.

However: Amsterdam is not the city it once was. I have seen it change over the years and a lot of immigration from extremely poor countries has had an adverse effect.

My tips, for what they're worth:

Dump the backpacks asap.
Don't look like a tourist, ie staring up at buildings and clicking away
If somebody approaches you in the street for no reason, usually North African, DO NOT engage in conversation. They want to sell you something. They might start the conversation with a "Hey, are you from..." but it quickly becomes business and if they feel that you have wasted their time, they do not take it well.
Pickpockets love train stations. Be on your guard.
Buy your weed in the cafes. It's legal and better stuff too.
Try the Belgian beers in the brown cafes.
After dark the red light district is the best place. It's fun and lively, with bars and clubs etc, but always go in a group.

and most importantly: Relax and enjoy it.

I've been a regular visitor since childhood and lived there at one point and I still never tire of it's beauty and energy. Everybody speaks English fluently, it's amazing.

Oh, and whilst you're there: Holland is a small country with a good train network. Get out and see some more of it whilst you're there : try the polders (rent a bike, it's the best way to travel) or Utrecht.

Have fun man.

ps. Even though the Dutch speak incredible English, learn some Dutch phrases. It really shows a lot of respect that you have taken the time to learn a little of a language that only a few million speak. Your small effort will be appreciated greatly.

[rh2752]

Hey Graeme,
Thanks for your advice; I will definitely keep everything you said in mind.

[ZeoBandit]

I was there back in 2001. Great city! The red light district at night is a must, but definitely travel in a group. Also, check out the Anne Frank House. It is a powerful experience that will be with you for the rest of your life.

[Aristotle]

My buddies and I are planning a trip next year to Van Halen country
(Holland). Has anyone been there? How is it? When should we go? What places should we hit? Thanks.

I go to Amsterdam at least once a year. Actually I go to Heerhugowaard (a city north of Amsterdam) to visit my friends, but ofcourse its all so close together that I end up spending a lot of time in Amsterdam.

I think graeme has given you good tips. I would add that I have never had any trouble in Amsterdam and I find it a MUCH safer place than London. There is a great feeling of tolerence and understanding of different cultures/tastes/ideas in Amsterdam that give me a very posetive feeling whenever I go there. One thing I would definately advise is that you try to schedule your visit so that it co-incides with the Queen's Birthday (Queensday). The whole of Amsterdam turns into one big orange coloured party.

Also I suggest that you WALK WALK WALK. Amsterdam is a great city for walking and for stopping off in little cafes and bars and getting a pleasant beer buzz (my friends are Dutch so they really don't bother with weed). Areas like Jordaan are great for such walks.

As far as food is concerned, you are going to be spoiled for choice, but if you are into Pacific Rim food and its Dutch variations then you MUST go to Bojo (pronounced as Boyo) which is a fantastic little Indonesian restaurant just off the Leidseplein. Try the Chicken Satay with sticky rice (extra peanut sauce ofcourse). Very good value for money.

There is so much to do in Amsterdam that in four days you'll barely scratch the surface.

Hope you have fun.

[m4rk0]

If you like some art in between the coffee shops, there are some great museums in Amsterdam (Rijksmuseum has the nightwatch, Van Gogh museum) Also make sure to take a boat tour through the Canals.. a great way to see amsterdam and some of the architecture.
Make sure to try some of the local fast food (this is the thing I missed most since I left Holland 10 years ago) the best kind is the one that you pull 'out of the wall' you will know what I mean when you see it. one of them is called FEBO. try the 'Kroket' and the 'Frikandel'! oh and make sure you eat your fries with both Mayonnaise and peanutsauce!
Also, Graeme is right about the (negative) changes in Amsterdam and many of the large cities in Holland. So try and see if you can spend some time outside of Amsterdam. Look up a Castle (Muiderslot in nearby Muiden - West of Amsterdam) was one of my favorites). there is a traditional village to the north close to Zaandam, with cool old little green wooden houses. There is also an old fishing town nearby called Volendam, where a lot of people are still wearing traditional outfits. Also popular are the Tulipfields of the 'Keukenhof' which is to the South of Amsterdam.
Just keep in mind that it was a long long time ago when I visited these places.. so things may have changed.
oh and don't forget that the red light district and sex shows are part of the culture too, so you have to try them. I heard funny stories about the 'banana bar'.

[m4rk0]

ooohh Aristotle is right.. Chinese food is great in Holland, and totally different than Chinese food in the US (or Engerland). Actually, it's really more Indonesian than Chinese food. Sate is good, but also try 'babi pangang': roasted crispy sliced pork with a sweet and spicy sauce.. there is nothing like it..and I am starting to drule now.. I will be going back for vacation (for the first time in 4 years) in June, and I just decided that this will be the first thing I am going to eat!

Queensday is cool, but it will be crowded and hard to find a place to stay.

[sisca]

oh yeah...i forgot the chicken satay! peanut sauce ROCKS! i also visited a place called scheveningen, went to a casino there and had a great time.