go to amsterdam

How I did it: Went for three days flying with UK budget airline, Jet2.com, stayed in the Amstel Botel, a floating hotel on the river Ij which was at the time just 1 minute from the Central Station, unfortunately it has now moved further up the river.

The Botel was cheap and no frills but allowed smoking and had a free 24 hour adult channel on TV called 'Private Spice' which provided entertainment during the hours before and after going out on the town.

Go there for a smoke, drink loads of Dutch lager, enjoy the canals and care-free atmosphere of the outside bar seating and watch the world go by! Gawp at the girls in the windows, be shocked at the amount of sex on sale, breathe in the strange aromas coming from the coffeeshop doorways. Definitely a place to visit even if you only do it once, although remember Amsterdam is a unique place and doesn't represent the Dutch nation as a whole.

Lessons & tips:

• The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro
• The Dutch being the civilised nation they are realise their language is rather hard for English speakers to learn, and so quite conveniently, nearly all of them speak perfect English :)
• Don't accept directions from strangers if you are lost, they will most likely ask for money when they show you where to go, like I did like the big softy I am, be harsh!
• Ignore the drug dealers in the Red Light District, walk past them and they'll leave you alone
• Do visit the Red Light District, it's a unique experience to say the least
• Don't overdo it, drink or anything else, you'll feel ill for the rest of the trip and you won't enjoy the holiday
• Don't even think about taking photos in the Red Light District at night!
• I managed on 100 Euros a day, you may need more if your food diet consists of more than Burger King and KFC
• Don't arrive too early, some of the hotels have check-in times of like 3pm which can suck if you have arrived early and have tons of luggage with you!
• Be a good ambassador for your country, try and behave and don't end up in one of the canals or throwing up outside

Resources:

• Jet2.com
• Amstel Botel
• Amstel Beer
• Bulldog coffeeshop

Oct 12, 2008, 04:50PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers