STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I'll do that. Thanks!

quote:

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Originally posted by: bliss
"I was born in The Netherlands and left there when I was 2 (father was in the Air Force). My sister, brother in law and myself will be going there this summer during the last week in July. I don't remember anything about the country, though my sister does but she was only 12 when we left. I was wondering if anyone had any information or advice. Where to go? What sights to see? Where to eat? Any information is greatly appreciated!"

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I've been to Amsterdam several times (twice in the past year), and have only driven through Rotterdam... I tend to just party my butt off when I'm there (easy to do.)

Let's see... off the top of my head, the Rijks museum is a must see - Rembrandt's Night Watch is there... you must see the Ann Frank house - so moving...  shopping: Hooftstraat is a big shopping street...  you must walk through the red light district once (where all the prostitutes are for sale in store windows)... at least walk into a coffee shop even if you just turn around and walk out (they have marijuana menus - I'm sure you know it's legal there)... there's some great flea markets near Ann Frank's house on Sundays if you want unusual souveniers... oh - and buy tulips in the airport on the way home - they're pre-approved for entry into the US (bags of tulip bulbs make good souveniers for yourself and for friends/family - I have a ton planted around my place - I love seeing them come up every year :)  oh - and pickpockets - always carry wallets in front pockets - keep an eye on backpacks and purses... my husband has this travel wallet holder - it works well and has twarted the attempts of many a pickpocket http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=32137&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=4524&cat4=2929&shop_method=pp&feat=ln

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Travel Wallet, Belt

• Clips to belt and tucks inside pants for secure concealment
  
• Holds currency, passport or room key
  
• Lined with moisture-wicking Healthshield® nylon fabric

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Gift Boxing Information



Keep essentials safe and out of sight with this slim wallet that fits underneath pants with the top loop secured around your belt. Adjustable lanyard included for wear around neck. 53/4"H x 71/2"W. 5 oz. Imported.

 

What I always do when I travel someplace new, is buy a Fodors travel guide.  It's really good at giving you walking tours, and unbiased reviews of many restaurants, ect.  It's great to have the book on hand when you are walking around so you can look things up on a whim.  They have a ton of information on line too:

Amsterdam

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=amsterdam@10

Rotterdam

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=rotterdam@131

HTH!

I went to Amsterdam last march and even though it was cold..we had a great time and saw many of the sites others had mentioned. The one experience I would recommend is if you're up to it, go and see a live sex show...Our B&B owner recommended one, he said was classier than the rest and the name is escaping me. But it's located in the red light district and there's a fountain with a large pink elephant with a huge penis (it's an interesting site)...the show was histerical and stimulating at the same time...I wouldn't have done it, if our B&B owner didn't recommend it. And I guess it helped that I was with my boyfriend :)

but it's something you'll never see in the states...oh and we also had the best food at an indonesian restaurant called "tempo doe loe" (I think that's how you spell it)...mmmm good :)

have fun...oh and make sure you at least walk into a coffeeshop to check out the menus

 

wow, lucky you!  amsterdam is a great city.  i second the recommendations for the rijks museum, the van gogh museum, and the anne frank house.  it's also fun to rent bikes and ride around- and take lots of pictures!  the city is so picturesque. 

**one word of advice- if you go to any of the cafes (which you definitely should, for the experience), be aware that everything in amsterdam is MUCH stronger and much more pure than anything you'll find in the states.  so pace yourself!  have fun!