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Message |
    
1-2many
Citizen
Username: Wbg69
Post Number: 364
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 3:55 pm: |     |
found a thread on Amsterdam recommendations from earlier this year, but I am wondering: any newer info on Amsterdam from travelers there in the past year or so? tips or recommendations? hotels you like, or don't? I have done some searching, bought my guides, etc., but I vastly prefer personal recommendations/warnings.
thanks in advance. |
Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 51
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 4:12 pm: | |
Great city but leave the younger kids at home. I had a hard time sheltering my 8 year old from all the raunchy sex on display and I was constantly worried he was going to get a contact high from the smoke coming out of the numerous, "coffee houses". I try to be open minded but Amsterdam may be a little too much hard reality for an 8 year old. Sorry I didn't directly answer your question. |
1-2many
Citizen
Username: Wbg69
Post Number: 365
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 4:30 pm: | |
good to know, though - thanks. we have a 14 year old. still too risque? |
Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 53
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 4:32 pm: | |
Depends on your 14 year old. If I got a trip to Amsterdam at 14, I would have thought that Ihad died and went to heaven, my parents however would not have been so elated. |
eliz
Citizen
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 600
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 7:19 pm: | |
I don't think it's that bad. I think it's fine for a 14 year old. I used to spend a lot of time in Amsterdam but haven't been there in a few years. I wouldn't spend more than a few days there but between Anne Frank's house, the Van Gogh museum and a few other sights it should be fun. That said if I was picking a European city for a weekend I'm not sure it would be my first choice. |
soresident
Citizen
Username: Soresident
Post Number: 70
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, September 22, 2003 - 7:52 pm: | |
we were there last Xmas with 13 and 8 year olds. If you steer clear of the red light district you will be fine. |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 116
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 9:47 am: | |
I've been to Amsterdam a number of times, and have a trip coming up next month. Instead of a hotel, consider renting an apartmment. Most hotel rooms in Amsterdam are tiny--an apartment gives you more space, and can be much cheaper. Try Citymundo (http://www.citymundo.com/).
This time we rented from lievenachten.com. Unfortunately, their website is not really up, but you can contact them thru it, and info about their rentals is available on many hotel listing websites.
Also, check out www.channels.nl. Tons of information/reviews, and a very active bulletin board (which you should NOT let your child see--way too much info re drugs & sex).
I think it's pretty much impossible to avoid seeing the sexual/marijuana aspects of Amsterdam, even if just in passing. But assuming you feel comfortable explaining these things to your kid, Amsterdam is a wonderful city. Everyone speaks English, it's very easy to get around on mass transit, bike riding is a blast, great museums and restuarants.
When are you planning to go? Privateline me if you want more info. |
Diglet
Citizen
Username: Shamajim
Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 - 3:39 pm: | |
We went to Amsterdam last April and really enjoyed it. I think that a 14 yr old could handle the sex and marijuana smoking issues--you really do see/smell this stuff everywhere.
I loved the Van Gogh museum which someone mentioned here. Anne Frank house was also interesting--I recommend getting there when it first opens otherwise the line gets long. The Concert House (I think it's called Concertgebouw or something similar) has concerts in the evening but also offers some free lunchtime concerts. You can look them up online for concert info.
For food, the Indonesian fare is amazing. If you liek this kind of food, I highly recommend the tasting menus they have in these restaurants called Rice Tables (I can't recall the Dutch word for it something like Ristaffel.) You get lots of little dishes (mostly spicy but some not) for a set price. I also recommend trying the hearty Dutch food like pea soup and other things which are nice for Fall. Also, you can find these great pancake houses which offer various pancakes which are quite different than the ones found here. It's more of a late morning or lunch meal rather than breakfast but they are so tasty! Different fillings are available like cheese, bacon, fruit, etc.
Let me know if you want more info. |
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