27.06.2004 – 04.07.2004

Latitude: 52.35 W
Longitude: 4.916 N

• I stayed here and here. the first is way too far from the city center. the second is closer, but ask for a large room in advance.

• I wandered around here for most daytime activities and here for the most remarkable evening (nice barmaids), using these and these (one day passes) for most of my transportation needs.
• If you’re wondering how insane the locals are when riding a bicycle, rent one and let yourself go. you’ll figure it out. ask for a bicycle with multiple locks and insurance (and hand brakes, for all it’s worth)
• I listened to a lot of this and lots of indistinct things when drunk and stoned.
• I didn’t see this happen after Portugal beat Holland by 2-1 on euro 2004.
• I ate here and I’m recommending it for anyone needing a good meal in a strange country.
• Strangers in the red light district will use social engineering to determine where you’re from and ask you politely in your mother language if you want to buy ecstasy or cocaine.
• I couldn’t avoid getting trapped in here and bringing the t-shirt home.
• Watch out for strange looking people on the subway stations after midnight. You might get robbed or something.
• Drinking a lot of water with a lot of sugar is really good if you visit a coffeeshop and try the soupe-du-jour.
• Bring a GPS if you’re trying to get back to the hotel at night in time for breakfast.
• Never EVER urinate on the canals, even if you’re only “simulating” for the camera. the police is pretty quick and will ask you to kindly pay 90€ (after you wash your hands, of course).
• Pay her a visit. Buy something.
• I didn’t have the time (or the mind) to visit any of the city museums. and I wanted to and it was long after the hangover.
• I checked out here back home. traded the heavy showers and thunderstorms for a very nice summer weather. which is nice.

it sure could have been better. in contrary to some people’s belief, this is a great city to be in. and to do the things you ever wanted to without even caring for anyone.

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update: Amsterdam is home to several internationally acclaimed designers and architects as well as an array of modern stores, restaurants, clubs and hotels. So now in addition to Montreal and San Francisco there’s an illustrated web magazine and directory for modern contemporary design for one of Europe’s leading design capitals. MoCo Amsterdam