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Headed to Amsterdam...
Goin on my first real vacation, out of the continent that is, in 12 years. Headed to Amsterdam, night spot of da European North. I know, I know, Vegas with more class and better drugs. But besides the canals, and the Anne Frank house and porn museum, what else should a fella do? If I could bring back bricks for friends and family, believe me I would but since I prefer work and freedom to incarceration and jail, I won't be a doin that. Thanks in advance.
Da Worfster
PS, yes we're flying right smack dab into the middle of "Gay Pride Week" in Amsterdam. If I'm not back in a month, send in the Marines!!!
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You're the fourth person I know to visit Amsterdam this year! I've never been there so I can't give you any recommendations. But have a great time!!!
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Amsterdam respects class, so I recommend wearing your finest clothing and flashiest jewelry when wandering about, oh, and they love hearing about how we do things on this side of the pond, so whenever you identify an opportunity for constructive criticism, speak loudly. And don't bother getting any Euros, they'll accept US currency if you insist it's ok.
Enjoy your trip Worf!
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check out The Melkweg cultural and arts center. I went to Amsterdam when I was 15 (turned 16 on the trip) as part of a European tour with a symphonic band. Too young and stupid to make the most of the trip. Been trying to get back there ever since.
http://www.melkweg.nl/artikelpagina.jsp?infoid=35430
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[QUOTE=Worf101
PS, yes we're flying right smack dab into the middle of "Gay Pride Week" in Amsterdam. If I'm not back in a month, send in the Marines!!![/QUOTE]
Some of the Marines I know will already be in attendance. I can give you flirting tips if you prefer not to buy your own drinks. Try not to wear too many colors from the Flag in any one outfit. If I think of anything else I will let you know. Have a great time!
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Congrats on your trip. Have fun. Stay out of any bar that looks like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTJMerul33E
Unless of course, you enjoy dancing. Lots of dancing.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnMichael
Some of the Marines I know will already be in attendance. I can give you flirting tips if you prefer not to buy your own drinks. Try not to wear too many colors from the Flag in any one outfit. If I think of anything else I will let you know. Have a great time!
heh, heh - a verse from one of my favorite sing-a-longs:
Sold my plasma in Amsterdam
Spent it all in a night
Buying drinks at the Melkweg
For a soldier in drag
here's to Worf's "Crying Game" moment - heh, heh
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1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnMichael
Some of the Marines I know will already be in attendance. I can give you flirting tips if you prefer not to buy your own drinks. Try not to wear too many colors from the Flag in any one outfit. If I think of anything else I will let you know. Have a great time!
Any color in particular?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnMichael
Some of the Marines I know will already be in attendance. I can give you flirting tips if you prefer not to buy your own drinks. Try not to wear too many colors from the Flag in any one outfit. If I think of anything else I will let you know. Have a great time!
There goes another mouthfull of coffee spewed all over my monitor. :lol:
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FA, you gotta problem drinkin'?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Auricauricle
FA, you gotta problem drinkin'?
Is that the same thing as having a drinking problem?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kexodusc
Amsterdam respects class, so I recommend wearing your finest clothing and flashiest jewelry when wandering about, oh, and they love hearing about how we do things on this side of the pond, so whenever you identify an opportunity for constructive criticism, speak loudly. And don't bother getting any Euros, they'll accept US currency if you insist it's ok.
Enjoy your trip Worf!
Why do I get the feeling that this is a set-up?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GMichael
Why do I get the feeling that this is a set-up?
His advice will also work well in France.
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And another sarcasm detector goes up in smoke.
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Actually...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Groundbeef
I LOVE to dance... have danced myself senseless in gay and straight clubs before. Long as there's no tush grabbin' hell, it's all good. Be less warrin' stress and strife with a little more dancin' in this world.
Da Worfster
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Worf101
PS, yes we're flying right smack dab into the middle of "Gay Pride Week" in Amsterdam. If I'm not back in a month, send in the Marines!!!
Well, I could make a totally tasteless comment relating to Hans Brinker and how you shouldn't resort to his his flood control measures, but I'll take the high road here....
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Well if you were Sticks, I'd say you could go check out the Museum of Torture. It's mostly medieval-era witch-burning gear, but it's still pretty gruesome. While the Dutch are all about human rights, they don't exactly shy away from describing in detail what it's all about.
On a lighter note, here's a couple of fun spots:
- The Bulldog, off the Leidseplein, is a famous pot bar that seems to cater mostly to Americans (so speaking Dutch is optional). It's a real tourist trap, but it's fun to watch other less-savvy tourists smoke themselves into a coma - there's always something funny or stupid happening there - it's where the Dutch go to make fun of Americans, LOL.
- Speaking of the Leidseplein, that in itself is a great place to hang out. There will be street performers, food, and lots to see (especially during Gay Pride week).
- If you can, you have to go to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, right next door. They just redesigned the Rijksmuseum and it's quite breathtaking. By the way, it will be a tourist zoo in the summer, so get there 1/2 hour or more before they open, early in the morning. P.S. It's not cheap, but they do now, finally, have air-conditioning.
- The Heineken brewery is also a tourist trap, but it's still fun to visit. A better bet is Cafe Gollum and De Drie Fleschjes where they have one of the largest selections of beer in the city, and, in the case of the latter, a wonderful, less touristy atmosphere.
- You said you like to dance, so the best clubs IMO are the Bitterzoet, Club Escape, and Club Caribbean, with very different themes, as you can probably guess. Bitterzoet is a smaller club frequented by the locals and less likely to have a large tourist crowd - it should have some interesting new artists, too. It is in the red light district though, so don't get suckered into a "free-bie" and then find your wallet gone. Escape is all about the laser-show and techno, although they also have theme nights. It's where you'll see some of the big names in the industry like Van Buren, Serina Paris and Oakenfold - since this is Gay Pride week, you probably will see some famous celebrities there. The Caribbean is more of an ethnic hangout, with great acts in more Western styles like Raggae, Salsa, and the like, even Hip Hop. It doesn't have air conditioning so it may get hot in there, but it's one of my favorite hangouts.
- Then there's the food. You have to eat some pickled herring, paaling (smoked eel), kroketten, patat (french fries with mayo) and you have to go at least once to a pannekoekenhuis (pancake house & the polar opposite to IHOP). Speaking of sweets, don't forget stroopwafels, amandel taart (almond tart), and poffertjes (mini pancakes): they're more of a winter food, but they are delicious - just make sure you douse them with plenty of sugar. And how could I forget, don't even come back without having eaten at a rijstafel, aka De Chinees. It's called Chinese food in The Netherlands, but it's really Indonesian. once you've had Indonesian food you won't want to eat anything else (I'll probably go to hell for saying this, but I once dated an Indonesian girl just because she cooked the most amazing dishes).
- and since this is an audio forum, I would be remiss in forgetting Het Concertgebouw, one of the most famous arenas for both classical and rock concerts. They say in Europe that new bands have made it once they've played the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. During the Gay Pride festival, there's sure to be some impressive acts, although getting tickets will be near impossible. Also don't forget about Jazz, there are some great Jazz acts in Europe as well.
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A couple of other suggestions: if you're going to stay in Amsterdam, don't bother renting a car. It will be more of a hindrance than a convenience. Also, don't try to not pay on the tram and play the dumb tourist - it's been done and it doesn't work. Last time I was there they also still had community bikes (the white ones that are available to anyone who needs them), but I think they've done away with them now (American influence on social programs).
Also, don't carry more than a little cash in your pockets, but do carry a secured credit card - put larger bills in the bottom of your shoe and only use in an emergency. I hate to say it, but you will probably be mugged at least once, and it's not the kind of pistol-whipping affair you'd get if you were in New York or Long Beach, but just a peaceful negotiation. Give them the few bucks you have in your pocket (that's what you put it there for), and move on. Consider it a tourist tax. Also, bring a cheap digital camera, not the Canon Eos with the $2K lens, because you won't be coming home with it.
Finally, dress nice. The clothes we get away with at Disneyland will keep you from getting into the hip clubs and restaurants. Also bring a rain-coat, yes, even in the summer. It will rain, that's just a fact of life in Holland. After the rain, it will be hot and humid. Another fact of life, there. And if you have access to a bike, you will be riding it in the rain too - in the winter they even ride them in the snow.
I almost forgot, don't forget to buy an ImAmsterdam card, for discounts on everything. It's a fantastic bargain and you can pick one up at any VVV office (tourist office).
If you plan to leave the city, I have a lot of other suggestions, just PM me.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markw
Well, I could make a totally tasteless comment relating to Hans Brinker and how you shouldn't resort to his his flood control measures, but I'll take the high road here....
I'm pretty dumb ... you mean sticking his appendage in a dyke??
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pretty much
But I was thinking more of a finger. I can't resist a straight line.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markw
But I was thinking more of a finger. I can't resist a straight line.
Well, a finger is an appendage, right? :smilewinkgrin:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ForeverAutumn
Is that the same thing as having a drinking problem?
If you can't keep it in than it seems there is some type of problem.
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Thanks for the love man...
Quote:
Originally Posted by nightflier
Well if you were Sticks, I'd say you could go check out the Museum of Torture. It's mostly medieval-era witch-burning gear, but it's still pretty gruesome. While the Dutch are all about human rights, they don't exactly shy away from describing in detail what it's all about.
On a lighter note, here's a couple of fun spots:
- The Bulldog, off the Leidseplein, is a famous pot bar that seems to cater mostly to Americans (so speaking Dutch is optional). It's a real tourist trap, but it's fun to watch other less-savvy tourists smoke themselves into a coma - there's always something funny or stupid happening there - it's where the Dutch go to make fun of Americans, LOL.
- Speaking of the Leidseplein, that in itself is a great place to hang out. There will be street performers, food, and lots to see (especially during Gay Pride week).
- If you can, you have to go to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, right next door. They just redesigned the Rijksmuseum and it's quite breathtaking. By the way, it will be a tourist zoo in the summer, so get there 1/2 hour or more before they open, early in the morning. P.S. It's not cheap, but they do now, finally, have air-conditioning.
- The Heineken brewery is also a tourist trap, but it's still fun to visit. A better bet is Cafe Gollum and De Drie Fleschjes where they have one of the largest selections of beer in the city, and, in the case of the latter, a wonderful, less touristy atmosphere.
- You said you like to dance, so the best clubs IMO are the Bitterzoet, Club Escape, and Club Caribbean, with very different themes, as you can probably guess. Bitterzoet is a smaller club frequented by the locals and less likely to have a large tourist crowd - it should have some interesting new artists, too. It is in the red light district though, so don't get suckered into a "free-bie" and then find your wallet gone. Escape is all about the laser-show and techno, although they also have theme nights. It's where you'll see some of the big names in the industry like Van Buren, Serina Paris and Oakenfold - since this is Gay Pride week, you probably will see some famous celebrities there. The Caribbean is more of an ethnic hangout, with great acts in more Western styles like Raggae, Salsa, and the like, even Hip Hop. It doesn't have air conditioning so it may get hot in there, but it's one of my favorite hangouts.
- Then there's the food. You have to eat some pickled herring, paaling (smoked eel), kroketten, patat (french fries with mayo) and you have to go at least once to a pannekoekenhuis (pancake house & the polar opposite to IHOP). Speaking of sweets, don't forget stroopwafels, amandel taart (almond tart), and poffertjes (mini pancakes): they're more of a winter food, but they are delicious - just make sure you douse them with plenty of sugar. And how could I forget, don't even come back without having eaten at a rijstafel, aka De Chinees. It's called Chinese food in The Netherlands, but it's really Indonesian. once you've had Indonesian food you won't want to eat anything else (I'll probably go to hell for saying this, but I once dated an Indonesian girl just because she cooked the most amazing dishes).
- and since this is an audio forum, I would be remiss in forgetting Het Concertgebouw, one of the most famous arenas for both classical and rock concerts. They say in Europe that new bands have made it once they've played the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. During the Gay Pride festival, there's sure to be some impressive acts, although getting tickets will be near impossible. Also don't forget about Jazz, there are some great Jazz acts in Europe as well.
***********************************
A couple of other suggestions: if you're going to stay in Amsterdam, don't bother renting a car. It will be more of a hindrance than a convenience. Also, don't try to not pay on the tram and play the dumb tourist - it's been done and it doesn't work. Last time I was there they also still had community bikes (the white ones that are available to anyone who needs them), but I think they've done away with them now (American influence on social programs).
Also, don't carry more than a little cash in your pockets, but do carry a secured credit card - put larger bills in the bottom of your shoe and only use in an emergency. I hate to say it, but you will probably be mugged at least once, and it's not the kind of pistol-whipping affair you'd get if you were in New York or Long Beach, but just a peaceful negotiation. Give them the few bucks you have in your pocket (that's what you put it there for), and move on. Consider it a tourist tax. Also, bring a cheap digital camera, not the Canon Eos with the $2K lens, because you won't be coming home with it.
Finally, dress nice. The clothes we get away with at Disneyland will keep you from getting into the hip clubs and restaurants. Also bring a rain-coat, yes, even in the summer. It will rain, that's just a fact of life in Holland. After the rain, it will be hot and humid. Another fact of life, there. And if you have access to a bike, you will be riding it in the rain too - in the winter they even ride them in the snow.
I almost forgot, don't forget to buy an ImAmsterdam card, for discounts on everything. It's a fantastic bargain and you can pick one up at any VVV office (tourist office).
If you plan to leave the city, I have a lot of other suggestions, just PM me.
Best, most thorough advice I'd gotten from any source thus far... thanks. Will try and give you some green chicklet love.
Da Worfster
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You're welcome. Travelling, especially to Europe, is something I do quite a bit.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Worf101
PS, yes we're flying right smack dab into the middle of "Gay Pride Week" in Amsterdam. If I'm not back in a month, send in the Marines!!!
so yer suggesting this is a coincidence :skep:
You could always bring your Worf outfit and hit any number of deathmetal clubs...I'm told there are many.
You could always post over in PE, where there are a couple of members who live near there.
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Say hello to SVI, if you see him...
(sorry, I couldn't resist)
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