I'm Going to Amsterdam in Two Weeks

[Will Lavender]

So my wife and I are off to Holland in a couple of weeks to promote my book.

Anyone been to Amsterdam? For the folks who have been there, any (clean :icon_biggrin:) activities you all would recommend?

Any general tips you would give for someone traveling abroad re: money, luggage, food, anything like that?

[CATHYnKY]

My hubby worked there off and on for a while. Any specifics you need to know?

[Will Lavender]

My hubby worked there off and on for a while. Any specifics you need to know?

Not really, just general things. We've got a couple of books, of course, but anything you'd recommend? Tourist attractions, things to do, places to eat, etc.?

[WILD1]

From what my hippie niece tells me (she's visited several times), the Van Gogh Museum and the Ann Frank House Museum should be on your list. Buy your tickets prior to your visit as you'll not waste time standing in long lines.
The tulip/flower market, Bloemenmarkt, is supposedly worth the time.
You know, you could just walk through the Red Light district and the coffee houses, since you'll be in the neighborhood, you don't have to partake. ;)

[811_Storm_of_Blue]

Hey Will... I spent some time there when I was stationed in Germany... The Ann Frank House is great.. The tulip farms are AMAZING!!!! That's a must... A lot of the windmills are open to tourist and they are pretty intresting... The old homes that product the cheese is GREAT!!!! If you like cheese.. (add that to your list!) and also, YOU CAN NOT COME HOME without a pair of wooden shoes... They will make them right in front of you... Really cool.. The coffee houses are pretty cool.. but I really thought Amsterdam (the city) was NASTY. I did see the shops where they sold the dope and yes, there are druggies and wineo's on the streets... They are constantly asking for money if they know your a tourist. If you give one some change, the rest of them will see that and come running to you!!! BE SAFE BROTHER!!!! Have fun.. jeff

[ukwebfan]

Smoke one for me! :icon_mrgreen:

And buy a beer from a vending machine because you can!

[Will Lavender]

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

Funny story:

I found out today that I'm going to be interviewed by Playboy in Holland. :icon_mrgreen:

[Ukosumu]

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

Funny story:

I found out today that I'm going to be interviewed by Playboy in Holland. :icon_mrgreen:
You will have to let us know which issue it will be published so we can buy a copy........to read the interview of course. ;):icon_redface:

[ukblue22]

Travel Tips:

If you are going to be in town for a while, wait and buy things like a blow dryer or electric razor when you get there. Yours will fry in about a minute even with the converter you'll want to buy, so don't bother witht the converters. You will find ATMs all over the place there so don't exchange money in the airport the rate is terrible. Your card will work everywhere including taxi's in most cases.

You can buy your razors, shaving cream, tooth paste etc when you get there and throw them away when you leave so you'll have more room for souvineers when you leave.

As far as good things to see, you are going to a very historic city. There are beautiful canal systems and boat tours to go on. The Tulip tours are great as well. Casinos are abundant. And don't forget the Wind Mills. A lot is made of the Red Light District ant the Drugs but there is so much more to see. The nurseries supply flowers for most of the rest of Europe.

I really envy you going to the Nederland this time of year.

BTW their seafood is great. Let me know if you going down to Germany. I'll recommend some great food when you get there.

[ukblue22]

You will have to let us know which issue it will be published so we can buy a copy........to read the interview of course. ;):icon_redface:

:thumbup:They publish interviews??? :shrug1:

[BrassowFan]

I hear that you can order a "Royale with Cheese" at McD's! :icon_mrgreen:

Sounds like it will be a great trip, glad to hear that the book is successful! Enjoy!

[Jeff Craddock]

Breakfast at the Heineken brewery. It's been thirty-seven years, but I came to depend on the bread, cheese, and excellent beer they provided after the morning tour....

The Rijksmuseum, for Vermeer and Rembrandt. (Vermeer is my favorite painter ever....his use of light is simply astonishing.)

Italian ice along the canals.

Vondel Park--I slept there for a month many years ago, courtesy of the Dutch government that provided lockers, etc., and encouraged young travelers to sleep out under the stars.

A stroll through the red light district, just for the surreal experience. You'll never see anything quite like it, anywhere. (I've read that the Dutch government is considering shutting down the red-light district, but don't know if that's come to pass.)

And just enjoy the amazing narrow houses, so narrow that each one has a hook at the top to attach a pulley to pull large pieces up and into the wide windows. The stairways are much too narrow. And the houses tilt slightly out, to make pulling pianos, etc., easier. It's not an illusion.

What a beautiful city. It's been much too long. Have a great time!

[MildCat]

I have been there a few times.

My one biggest suggestion is to GET A MAP.

This city is incredibly confusing for your first couple of days, honestly.

All drug and alcohol jokes aside, the streets seem to pick up and end at the drop of a hat.

Also, understand it is a very tiny city but that it can sweep you up very quickly.

The amount of bikers, and tram cars and pedestrians can become a little overwhelming.

Either way, you are in for a fantastic time- beautiful city, amazing people and still not too expensive when compared to some other European cities.

If you get a free bit of time- try and hop on a train and see Brussels a gorgeous city.

I'm very jealous of you!

[Will Lavender]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. We ended up doing much of what is suggested in this thread.

We had a tremendous time. Amsterdam is certainly unlike any place I've ever been. We ate some unbelievable food. My favorite was the Indonesian (my wife and I are already scouring for Indonesian restaurants in Louisville), but we were literally all over the map in terms of our restaurants. I ate wild duck for the first time. Tam rabbit. Italian that is literally made in front of you at your table. Belgian cheeseburgers. And a lot--a lot--of Cola Lite. :icon_mrgreen:

Amsterdam comes highly recommended if you're planning a trip to Europe anytime soon.

[matt colvin]

Just now saw this...Glad you ad a great time Will! One of my biggest regrets during college will be that I didn't take advantage of opportunities to travel abroad.