NationStates Jolt Archive

The question is simple enough, which city?

This is not to belittle others or anything but my fiance and I are trying to pick a city to go for our honeymoon. We wanted to do both but realistically, we can only see one of those two cities.

I've been to Paris before, but not Amsterdam, and my fiance has never been across the Atlantic. So, both cities would be new for him.

We need to decide.

There are many people here from Europe, tell me which is better and why.

I've been to both cities and can say that whereas Paris has a wider range of attractions, better food, etc., Amsterdam is a much better place for a honeymoon.

Paris smells really bad, but there's more to see there i suppose. amsterdam is awesome though, i like it much better. amsterdam is canals, weed, sex museums, weed, art, weed, bicycles, weed. paris is eiffel tower, dog shit, louvre, dogshit, arc de triomphe, dog shit, baguettes, dog shit, urine, dog shit.

at least, in my experience.

Amsterdam. Paris is just over-rated.

If it's a typical honeymoon you should be so high off the wedding that you'll be screwing each other senseless all day and all night anyway - why not simply put a picture of both cities on your bedroom wall and save the money for a holiday where you actually appreciate the city you visit?

Paris smells really bad, but there's more to see there i suppose. amsterdam is awesome though, i like it much better. amsterdam is canals, weed, sex museums, weed, art, weed, bicycles, weed. paris is eiffel tower, dog shit, louvre, dogshit, arc de triomphe, dog shit, baguettes, dog shit, urine, dog shit.

at least, in my experience.

So... is the weed better there than here in Toronto? ;)

So... is the weed better there than here in Toronto? ;)

well i don't know about toronto, but amsterdam has every variety you can imagine and more, and also the best quality hash by far that i've ever encountered. you can lose several months sampling all the varieties :)

i love amsterdam. its a beautiful city and has unique and facinating architechture, legendary nightlife (if that's your thing), its a 'free city' and very welcoming, friendly and non-scary (even the red light district after dusk is pretty non-threatening with all the police and cameras around). getting around by canal bus is wonderful, and there are tonnes of museums and things to see.

my girlfriend and i went to the city in february this year and had a wonderful time. we stayed in the sofitel centrum (http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/1159/fiche_hotel.shtml) (not the airport one). pics from our holiday are here (http://www.hljphotography.co.uk/images/amsterdam%2007/album/index.htm) :)

So... is the weed better there than here in Toronto? ;)

The weed in holland will make you smile like a bastard and forget your name, nevermind the names of any other people in your general vicinity ;)

Amsterdam. What better way to spend a honeymoon than getting your privates shaved by professionals and visiting sex museums? :D

So... is the weed better there than here in Toronto? ;)

nederhash is better than anything i've ever had in the UK. because its legal to grow over there they've bred the crop for potency, and some have even been genetically altered (apparently). but yeah, more than that the varieties of sativa you can get at any coffeeshop is the best thing.

i also recommend going to see Boom Chicago (http://www.boomchicago.nl/en/) - its hilarious

The weed in holland will make you smile like a bastard and forget your name, nevermind the names of any other people in your general vicinity ;)

The pothead in me in screaming and glee and my common sense has taken an extended leave. This place is sounding better and better. :)

Amsterdam. What better way to spend a honeymoon than getting your privates shaved by professionals and visiting sex museums? :D

Hmm... intriguing...

I am saying Amsterdam. I have been to both since my parents are pilots and I found that the people Amsterdam are nicer, no wait, much nicer, than the people living in Paris....<_<....>_>...It's true!

Amsterdam.

I think Amsterdam would make the better honeymoon story as opposed to Paris where its so Cliché you could see your whole married life in advance :p

I have been to both, I actually proposed to my wife on the Eiffel Tower, and I would choose Amsterdam. My wife agrees. The city has a nice charm all to its own and the people are friendly, which is certainly not true in Paris. Paris might have some great museums and sites but it loses a lot of its appeal due to the people themselves. While both my wife and I are itching to get back to Amsterdam, we are not planning on returning to Paris in the near or far future. The museums in Amsterdam are nice too, and the food is delightful. Biking can be fun there, or just walking the streets. The sex museums are blah.

If you are a pothead then the choice is even simpler and in the end no contest.

If you have a nice place to stay, go for some of the hash brownies. Out of this world.

I think Amsterdam would make the better honeymoon story as opposed to Paris where its so Cliché you could see your whole married life in advance :p

I'm sensing a great deal of love for Amsterdam on this forum. ;)

All this talk of weed makes me really want to go.

Paris. Most of the inner city of Amsterdam will be a construction site for the coming years due to the construction of a new subway. It somewhat ruins the mood.

Paris also has Eurodisney ;) (though one can reach the Dutch "Efteling" in two hours by train from Amsterdam)

Havn't been to either, but Paris is in France, and France is full of French people.

If I were you however, I'd go to Moscow. I hear it's where all the lovers go these days. :p

But don't tell your fiance because then it'll be a really big surprise.

Paris has a major issue. Parisians.

Amsterdam has a major issue - too many stoned American tourists.

However I do think (having lived and owrked in both cities) that the Dam is easily a nicer place than Paris.

I also want to point out that Amsterdam offers more than just the coffeeshops...major art museums are located in Amsterdam ... also there are loads of little curiosity shops....food is ok...stay away from tourists traps like Dam square and the like and you can find some really nice places...

The best thing though is walking...its easily one of the best cities to walk around...

The weed in holland will make you smile like a bastard and forget your name, nevermind the names of any other people in your general vicinity ;)The weed in holland will make you smile like a bastard and forget the names of the people you had-sex-with in Europe ;)

The weed in holland will make you smile like a bastard and forget the names of the people you had-sex-with in Europe ;)

ummm...yeah I can vouch for that! :eek:

Paris. Most of the inner city of Amsterdam will be a construction site for the coming years due to the construction of a new subway. It somewhat ruins the mood.

Paris also has Eurodisney ;) (though one can reach the Dutch "Efteling" in two hours by train from Amsterdam)
i was there in february and i saw no such construction work. one or two buildings and the like, yeah, but nothing more than usual.

amsterdam also has great public transport, by the way. the trams are frequent, clean and modern (the ones we went on), as are the trains iirc. not to mention cheap, too. canal buses are far more expensive but are - to me - the best way to see the city :)
you can rent bikes everywhere as well, and seeing as most of the country is kinda flat its a great way of seeing places. i actually recommend (in the summer when the weather's nice) going to Utrecht (20 minutes from 'dam by train), renting bikes and heading out into the countryside. its beautiful round there. we did that first time i went to holland :)

in amsterdam you can rent peddle-o's (i don't know how to spell it), too!


(and see boom chicago!!!)

I've been to both. Amsterdam was my favorite. It was geared more toward youth culture, it was easier quicker to get around, and it seemed more romantic. There are so many things to do and see in such a small area and it really wasn't very expensive.

Also the weed and hashbrownies were killer and the live sex show was fun.

Lastly, the people in general seemed much nicer to English speakers there than they did in Paris.

i was there in february and i saw no such construction work. one or two buildings and the like, yeah, but nothing more than usual.

amsterdam also has great public transport, by the way. the trams are frequent, clean and modern (the ones we went on), as are the trains iirc. not to mention cheap, too. canal buses are far more expensive but are - to me - the best way to see the city :)
you can rent bikes everywhere as well, and seeing as most of the country is kinda flat its a great way of seeing places. i actually recommend (in the summer when the weather's nice) going to Utrecht (20 minutes from 'dam by train), renting bikes and heading out into the countryside. its beautiful round there. we did that first time i went to holland :)

in amsterdam you can rent peddle-o's (i don't know how to spell it), too!


(and see boom chicago!!!)


When I was there a year ago I remember some contruction down the middle of a couple streets where they were building the subway system. Did they finish it already?

I cant wait to go back.

I have been going to both every year since '95 and while I take women I date to Paris and Amsterdam, I only take my true friends to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam and Paris both have the dog problem, there's no pick up after your dog laws being enforced in either city.

Paris is nice yet over-rated, Amsterdam is underrated but not the party center people want to believe it is.

Paris is gray skied and full of rude people who pretend not to speak English, Amsterdam is full of perfect English speakers who think all other English speakers are idiots.

They both host cafe' society and drinking all day long outside, sitting inside smoking or dining on fine cuisine are not hard in either. If smoking cannabis is your thing Paris is the loser here.

They both have amazing nightlife, theatre, museums, public parks, short rides to topless beaches and beautiful countryside.

Amsterdam has the better zoo by far.

Amsterdam has better Asian food than the rest of Europe, as well as the better blend of international tastes, Paris has, don't laugh, the best Parisian offerings.

France has some amazing cathedrals, Amsterdam has them on a smaller scale yet far greater numbers.

The police in Amsterdam are confident, helpful and friendly. In Paris they were rude, suspicious and seemed bothered by anyone who approached them.

Paris has the Eiffel and cruises on the Seine, Amsterdam has Dam square and cruises on the canals.

The Louvre versus Rijksmuseum, the French have a nice advantage in design, the Dutch have it in substance.

Dutch public transportation is much better, Paris trains run later though.

Hotels, they both have excellent high end and atrocious low end lodgings. Like I said, hard choice for a Honeymoon, easy choice for a vacation with friends.

When I was there a year ago I remember some contruction down the middle of a couple streets where they were building the subway system. Did they finish it already?

I cant wait to go back.

well i can't say for sure, but when i was there i only saw one street with roadworks on it, and it looked to me they were working on the canal or something. i didn't see any signs for subways though..... i don't know!! :p

When I was there a year ago I remember some contruction down the middle of a couple streets where they were building the subway system. Did they finish it already?

I cant wait to go back.

yeah, i was there in april and they were still doing work on the road by the canal on damrak and work on road on rokin. seems like it`s been going on for years

So... is the weed better there than here in Toronto? ;)

Absolutely. The stuff here is quite literally grass by comparison.

I've been to both:

Paris is meh

Amsterdam is beautiful, and would definitely be my choice. The architecture is charming, and it's a lovely to stroll through the streets at night when the canals and bridges are all lit up. It has craft markets and street performers; friendly people, good food and beer, museums, diamonds, art and music.

I was there once at New Year, when the temperature was well below 0C and the canals were frozen and full of skaters... I had hot apple pie and whiskey for breakfast. Perfect :D

I'm not sure whether its dope related or just Dutch related, but the atmosphere there is calm, even when lorrys just stop to unload, holding up all the traffic, which makes it a great place for leaving your cares behind.

The people all speak English fluently, and will probably find it hilarious if you try to speak dutch. They're approachable, and transport is easily accessible.

I could go on, but I think I've probably said enough :P

Enjoy your honeymoon wherever you spend it :)

It has craft markets and street performers; friendly people, good food and beer, museums, diamonds, art and music.


oh yeah, dutch beer! the best!! :D

you gotta try Hertog Jan - tis yummy :)

When I was there a year ago I remember some contruction down the middle of a couple streets where they were building the subway system. Did they finish it already?

I cant wait to go back.

No...the work is yet to kick off properly...thank buggery I got a place in Haarlem and not Amsterdam...I looked a couple of places on the Herrengracht but when the Makelaar mentioned the building work I decided to live outside of Amsterdam.

Because of my Dutch ancestory I think I'm going to be bias on this.

I'd use my advanced powers of alchemy to create a single city: Paridam. That way, I could get the best of both worlds.

Actually, I've never been to Amsterdam, so I can't really compare the two. Paris was pretty nice, though.

well i can't say for sure, but when i was there i only saw one street with roadworks on it, and it looked to me they were working on the canal or something. i didn't see any signs for subways though..... i don't know!! :p

The only reason I knew what the construction I saw was for is because our tour guide had told us. :)


yeah, i was there in april and they were still doing work on the road by the canal on damrak and work on road on rokin. seems like it`s been going on for years

Looked like a pretty big job!

No...the work is yet to kick off properly...thank buggery I got a place in Haarlem and not Amsterdam...I looked a couple of places on the Herrengracht but when the Makelaar mentioned the building work I decided to live outside of Amsterdam.

Holy pickles! You mean the work they were doing when I was there was just to prepare to start the job? It's amazing to this US American that they are even building a subway system at all considering that they already had great public transport. Maybe it is just to get rid of all the above ground stuff to make more room on the streets.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gah! I am jealous of the lot of you that live in Europe. I loved the "feel" of all the countries I visited, especially the Netherlands. The people, the architecture, the food....


*le sigh*

I've never been to Paris, so I can't be an objective judge, but I LOVE Amsterdam. I've always wanted to go back, with no chaperones, so I can eat pot cookies in peace. Paris does have that advantage of speaking one of my languages, but I don't know if that's enough.

So the French are assholes to pretty much everyone, right?

I'd use my advanced powers of alchemy to create a single city: Paridam. That way, I could get the best of both worlds.

So I guess it would be almost identical to Amsterdam then?

So the French are assholes to pretty much everyone, right?

Don't know about the French as a whole, but Parisians definately are.

So the French are assholes to pretty much everyone, right?


It is quite hard to deal with the rude ones who dislike the tourists who are unable to speak French. We (my wife) tried, but we just suck at it. I didn't want to go until I could speak better French but she insisted.

Holy pickles! You mean the work they were doing when I was there was just to prepare to start the job? It's amazing to this US American that they are even building a subway system at all considering that they already had great public transport. Maybe it is just to get rid of all the above ground stuff to make more room on the streets.

well i've been there 3 times now, and i remember the first time just being amazed at how little traffic there was in the city centre itself. ok, so going back the other times i saw more of the city and there was more traffic, but compared to london its positively tranquil!
I've never been to Paris, so I can't be an objective judge, but I LOVE Amsterdam. I've always wanted to go back, with no chaperones, so I can eat pot cookies in peace. Paris does have that advantage of speaking one of my languages, but I don't know if that's enough.
ok, that's it.... i'm SO going back there soon :D

No...the work is yet to kick off properly...thank buggery I got a place in Haarlem and not Amsterdam...I looked a couple of places on the Herrengracht but when the Makelaar mentioned the building work I decided to live outside of Amsterdam.

i didn't realise you lived in amsterdam (or near enough)..... damn you!!!

Me, of course!

Me, of course!

you're not a city.

Is it true in Holland that you can smoke hash in church?

Paris.

Just to see the sights, eat the food, and meet the people while wearing my "America, FUCK YEAH!" shirt. It'll be fun!

Both are great cities. I would like to say Amsterdam for the bachelor party and off to Paris for the honeymoon.

Paris.

Just to see the sights, eat the food, and meet the people while wearing my "America, FUCK YEAH!" shirt. It'll be fun!

urrrg, how embarrasing...

urrrg, how embarrasing...

Your inabilty to detect sarcasm?

http://www.foulmouthshirts.com/T_SHIRT_DESIGNS/images/amfy.jpgParis.

Just to see the sights, eat the food, and meet the people while wearing my "America, FUCK YEAH!" shirt. It'll be fun!

http://www.foulmouthshirts.com/T_SHIRT_DESIGNS/images/amfy.jpg

It has the thing THEY built for us, I don't see why they'd be pissed. Unless they start kicking each other's asses. :D

Amsterdam. What better way to spend a honeymoon than getting your privates shaved by professionals and visiting sex museums? :D

and the hash, don't forget the hash


ahhh. . . nothing beats getting laid while both people are baked

and the hash, don't forget the hash


ahhh. . . nothing beats getting laid while both people are baked

Well are we talking about both girls being baked? or did you misspeak and mean both girls and the guy?

Well are we talking about both girls being baked? or did you misspeak and mean all three?

wait, is someone having a threesome???

wait, is someone having a threesome???

I had to rewrite my original to be more accurate. But a threesome in Amsterdam while high on hash sounds about right.... doesn't it?

Anyway I took my little brother to Amsterdam when he turned 19. We spent about 3k in 3 days. I actually still have the pics to prove it. Holding it for later favors of course. He talks about it still to this day and it was 11 years ago.

I had to rewrite my original to be more accurate. But a threesome in Amsterdam while high on hash sounds about right.... doesn't it?

Anyway I took my little brother to Amsterdam when he turned 19. We spent about 3k in 3 days. I actually still have the pics to prove it. Holding it for later favors of course. He talks about it still to this day and it was 11 years ago.

that's niiice


i'd like that


first time getting laid- amsterdam

XD

that's niiice


i'd like that


first time getting laid- amsterdam

XD

Of course you have to throw your morals out the window for a bit. Also if you don't mind a couple hot blondes doing whatever you want. If that sounds interesting then Amsterdam is a good choice. Oh I almost forgot. You can see all the history and the wood shoe museums if you get bored. :p

Of course you have to throw your morals out the window for a bit. Also if you don't mind a couple hot blondes doing whatever you want. If that sounds interesting then Amsterdam is a good choice. Oh I almost forgot. You can see all the history and the wood shoe museums if you get bored. :p

right now, i NEED to get a girl and i heard that the dutch are nice

right now, i NEED to get a girl and i heard that the dutch are nice

I found the regular Dutch folk to be pleasant once you get out into the normal areas of Holland.

I found the regular Dutch folk to be pleasant once you get out into the normal areas of Holland.

normal areas?

normal areas?

I know, shocking isn't it. You thought Holland was just sex and drugs?

and the hash, don't forget the hash


ahhh. . . nothing beats getting laid while both people are baked

*lol
Says the guy who openeed a thread about being worried cause he never had a girlfriend? ;)

I found the regular Dutch folk to be pleasant once you get out into the normal areas of Holland.

The funny thing about the Dutch is, I absolutely positively adore the accent when they're talking English, German or French. But the language itself is, next to Polish, the most horrible-sounding language in the world, to my ears anyway.

My love of Pulp Fiction requires me to answer Amsterdam in the poll.

Though, for a honeymoon, Paris is probably better. I base this, of course, on absolutely nothing.

I've never been to either, but from what I've heard, I'd personally go with Amsterdam.

Never been to Amsterdam, but I lived in Paris for a week, and it is beautiful. I recommend it.

normal areas?
That's Germany.:p
I know, shocking isn't it. You thought Holland was just sex and drugs?It is?:eek:

I must be missing something.

As a Parisien living in Amsterdam for some years now, I say: go to Amsterdam, it is nicer.
According to my Dutch wife, it is Paris without a question. Go figure!

But... don't forget that the average American Bride dreams about a honeymoon in Paris, has been brain-washed to love her honeymoon in Paris. It is almost genetic.

Amsterdam will be nicer, Paris will have more impact on our friends...
(BTW, the Parisian Bride dreams about Hawaï for her honeymoon. Nothing is easy in this life.)

Plouc;12826175']As a Parisien living in Amsterdam for some years now...
Jesus fuck, I can't imagine this guy thought that someone perfectly suited to answering his question would respond.
Sometimes, I love the internet, then I remember the furries...

I'm going to Amsterdam on July 4th. I just can't wait and threads like this don't help at all.

I wouldn't spend my honeymoon in any city but if I had to choose between those two, I'd go to Paris.

Plouc;12826175']As a Parisien living in Amsterdam for some years now, I say: go to Amsterdam, it is nicer.
According to my Dutch wife, it is Paris without a question. Go figure!

But... don't forget that the average American Bride dreams about a honeymoon in Paris, has been brain-washed to love her honeymoon in Paris. It is almost genetic.

Amsterdam will be nicer, Paris will have more impact on our friends...
(BTW, the Parisian Bride dreams about Hawaï for her honeymoon. Nothing is easy in this life.)

I have been to Paris, and I loved it. Unfortunately, it wasn't very long so I missed out on a few things I wanted to see, such as the Lauvre, and I never got out to see Versailles.

Strangely, I found Paris drivers to be very nice. They weren't as likely to use you for target practice when you're crossing the streets as they are here in Toronto.

But, I also did want Amsterdam but we decided to only do one city so... since I figured I got to make do without my weed while we go on the honeymoon, Amsterdam might just be the place to go.

If you're American, you'd probably enjoy Amsterdam more, despite all the stoned tourists.

I know, shocking isn't it. You thought Holland was just sex and drugs?

It is :cool:

Is it true in Holland that you can smoke hash in church?

Well, I think it's illegal, because it's smoking and most(if not all) churches forbid smoking inside :) At least the touristic ones forbid it...

If you're American, you'd probably enjoy Amsterdam more, despite all the stoned tourists.

And if I'm Canadian? ;)

Well, I think it's illegal, because it's smoking and most(if not all) churches forbid smoking inside :) At least the touristic ones forbid it...
iirc smoking weed in public is illegal. you can do it in coffeeshops and stuff, but not on the street. so maybe not in churches either, considering they're public places
Amsterdam might just be the place to go.

good decision!

And if I'm Canadian? ;)

you'll prolly still prefer Amsterdam. I'm telling you, Paris is just over-rated.

Paris is far too cliched. Get beyond the sights and architecture, impressive though it is, and there really isn't all that much to enthuse over.

Amsterdam, the whole drug thing notwithstanding, is rather more fun. It simply has a little more character, and a little more to explore, than Paris.

And if I'm Canadian? ;)


Well...Parisians seem more polite to those who speak french. I prefer Paris, but I've seen how rude they can be to American tourists, and I doubt I'd enjoy it as much if people were that rude to me.

Paris is so romantic... Amsterdam will be full of high, sexually depraved spotty teenagers and pervy men. Hardly a nice destination for your first foray into married holidays

Well...Parisians seem more polite to those who speak french. I prefer Paris, but I've seen how rude they can be to American tourists, and I doubt I'd enjoy it as much if people were that rude to me.
no. unless you speak it very well, they won't be any more polite. They will be rude to any foreigner that tries to speak their language but does poorly.

Paris is so romantic... Amsterdam will be full of high, sexually depraved spotty teenagers and pervy men. Hardly a nice destination for your first foray into married holidays

i disagree vehemently. have you even been to amsterdam? that may be true of the red light district after dark, but the rest of the city is beautiful and cultured. it was a wonderful place for my lady friend and i to visit for our first real holiday together, as it so happens.


i've also been to paris and parts are pretty, but a lot of it is very much un-romantic (ie. grotty, smelly, run-down, cheap, tourist-y)

no. unless you speak it very well, they won't be any more polite.

I will definitely agree with that one. In every other country I've visited if you at least attempt to speak the language they will be much nicer to you. It is a trick that every traveler should use. Even the Japanese who usually shy away from speaking English will do so if you blunder through a couple of sentences in Japanese. It shows you respect the culture enough to try and at least grasp some of its fundamentals and it will usually pay dividends.

In Paris that was certainly not the case. French was the language I knew the most of besides English, having studied a number of years prior to going there. It had been a while and I was a bit rusty with it but still knew enough of the rudiments to get by and could speak complete sentences though my tense was usually what I would mess up. I therefore kept my questions to a minimum, usually ordering food or asking directions. Almost every time I tried to start up a conversation they seemed to view my lack of fluency with disdain. I would be corrected, which is plain rude and never happened in other countries or at least not in the way it was approached by the French, and in one instance the fellow I asked directions of gave me the wrong ones sending me in the opposite direction (found that out later or I probably would have been in a french jail still. Ended up with a nice argument with the missus due to that mishap and we missed out seeing Fonteneblea (sp?)).

I know a half dozen phrases in a dozen other languages but had a decent knowledge of French at the time I went there. Not really any longer since I was turned off by the whole culture there, but I did have the satisfaction of correcting their poor English towards the end of the trip. Just to throw it back in their faces. Bunch of snobs.

good decision!

You just misquoted me :(

I will definitely agree with that one. In every other country I've visited if you at least attempt to speak the language they will be much nicer to you. It is a trick that every traveler should use. Even the Japanese who usually shy away from speaking English will do so if you blunder through a couple of sentences in Japanese. It shows you respect the culture enough to try and at least grasp some of its fundamentals and it will usually pay dividends.

In Paris that was certainly not the case. French was the language I knew the most of besides English, having studied a number of years prior to going there. It had been a while and I was a bit rusty with it but still knew enough of the rudiments to get by and could speak complete sentences though my tense was usually what I would mess up. I therefore kept my questions to a minimum, usually ordering food or asking directions. Almost every time I tried to start up a conversation they seemed to view my lack of fluency with disdain. I would be corrected, which is plain rude and never happened in other countries or at least not in the way it was approached by the French, and in one instance the fellow I asked directions of gave me the wrong ones sending me in the opposite direction (found that out later or I probably would have been in a french jail still. Ended up with a nice argument with the missus due to that mishap and we missed out seeing Fonteneblea (sp?)).

I know a half dozen phrases in a dozen other languages but had a decent knowledge of French at the time I went there. Not really any longer since I was turned off by the whole culture there, but I did have the satisfaction of correcting their poor English towards the end of the trip. Just to throw it back in their faces. Bunch of snobs.


Much as I prefer Amstersdam to Paris, good on them. The French do have an awful lot to arrogant about, and, in any case, the language is not difficult to master.

God knows I'm rude to Eastern European migrants who speak poor English.

Well I'm from Holland myself so how could I not say Amsterdam! I think it lives up to all peoples needs and wants and so ever!
Amsterdam rules!
Stay there a week and you never want to leave again!

no. unless you speak it very well, they won't be any more polite. They will be rude to any foreigner that tries to speak their language but does poorly.

I will definitely agree with that one. In every other country I've visited if you at least attempt to speak the language they will be much nicer to you. It is a trick that every traveler should use. Even the Japanese who usually shy away from speaking English will do so if you blunder through a couple of sentences in Japanese. It shows you respect the culture enough to try and at least grasp some of its fundamentals and it will usually pay dividends.

In Paris that was certainly not the case. French was the language I knew the most of besides English, having studied a number of years prior to going there. It had been a while and I was a bit rusty with it but still knew enough of the rudiments to get by and could speak complete sentences though my tense was usually what I would mess up. I therefore kept my questions to a minimum, usually ordering food or asking directions. Almost every time I tried to start up a conversation they seemed to view my lack of fluency with disdain. I would be corrected, which is plain rude and never happened in other countries or at least not in the way it was approached by the French, and in one instance the fellow I asked directions of gave me the wrong ones sending me in the opposite direction (found that out later or I probably would have been in a french jail still. Ended up with a nice argument with the missus due to that mishap and we missed out seeing Fonteneblea (sp?)).

I know a half dozen phrases in a dozen other languages but had a decent knowledge of French at the time I went there. Not really any longer since I was turned off by the whole culture there, but I did have the satisfaction of correcting their poor English towards the end of the trip. Just to throw it back in their faces. Bunch of snobs.

Maybe it's the accent then? Because that's not my experience.

Well I'm from Holland myself so how could I not say Amsterdam! I think it lives up to all peoples needs and wants and so ever!
Amsterdam rules!
Stay there a week and you never want to leave again!

Hello fellow countryman :)

Much as I prefer Amstersdam to Paris, good on them. The French do have an awful lot to arrogant about, and, in any case, the language is not difficult to master.

God knows I'm rude to Eastern European migrants who speak poor English.

lol

Master? Give me a break. As I stated it had been years since I had studied it, so I should take a full refresher course for my week there? Didn't have a problem in the score of other countries I've been to but I'm expected to master French? I'm not a migrant...I was a tourist! Get a grip. One would expect someone who is planning on living in a country to master the official language there, not so with a tourist, or I guess I should now be fluent in 15 different languages according to you oh blessed Chris. lmao

Oh and my wife said that they were nice to her and her friend when they went. According to her they just hate Americans. I felt I should add that so if you are not from America you might not have the same problem I had. And some might have a very difficult time mastering French or any Romance language. Case in point: my wife who speaks five languages but cannot grasp any of the Romance ones. But of course French is ridiculously easy to master. Three days tops. ;)

You just misquoted me :(

oh yeah.... what the hell happened there? :confused::confused:

Amsterdam. What better way to spend a honeymoon than getting your privates shaved by professionals and visiting sex museums? :D

BTW, will someone tell what the hell's so great about having shaved privates? (I'd go for the sex museums, though)

Maybe it's the accent then? Because that's not my experience.

Could be. I'm from New York so maybe that had something to do with it. My point was it didn't happen in any other country and I certainly didn't have the languages of those countries down at all. They seemed quite pleased I tried to learn any of it. Not so with the French. In Italy, Turkey and Ecuador I've actually had people get in their car and drive (with me following in my rental) to the place I was trying to go. So if I was getting that attitude just by accent that does much to prove my point they they can be quite snobbish.

Since you are Canadian, people in Paris will believe you are American and thus treat you like shit. Take Amsterdam. (this comes from a lifelong parisian).

And if you are wondering why parisians hate american tourists : that's because they usually travel in large and noisy groups, and basically act as if Paris was only a tourist destination. No. It's a city, people live there and they see tourists ALL THE TIME. A couple of american girls being very noisy about how "cute" some building or place is may be funny to see the first time, but the 25th time, its just plain annoying.

Since you are Canadian, people in Paris will believe you are American and thus treat you like shit. Take Amsterdam. (this comes from a lifelong parisian).

And if you are wondering why parisians hate american tourists : that's because they usually travel in large and noisy groups, and basically act as if Paris was only a tourist destination. No. It's a city, people live there and they see tourists ALL THE TIME. A couple of american girls being very noisy about how "cute" some building or place is may be funny to see the first time, but the 25th time, its just plain annoying.

Being from New York, I agree. It is annoying with the tour groups and such. One of the main reasons why my wife and I try to go to more out of the way places and get into the culture itself. You would find us wandering around the supermarkets or something, or going where we see the locals go and not the suggested places, and we like to travel during the off peak seasons so that we don't have to deal with tourists ourselves. Managed to be the only two (besides the guards) inside the Great Pyramid in Egypt due to going there in February. No crowds and no fuss, its a great way to travel, though being almost stranded in Bodrum in late January is something I wouldn't recommend to anyone. ;)

If you decide to go to Amsterdam...don't spend your time only in Amsterdam. There is a lot more to see in the Netherlands. Go for a day to The Hague (Den Haag) and its seaside town Scheveningen..if you like modern architecture and strange buildings, make sure you visit Rotterdam. Delft, Haarlem and Utrecht all deserve honorable mentions. And the nice thing is, these places are all reachable by train within 1 hour from Amsterdam. You will have a good time.

I think I'm the only american who didn't have bad experiences with the people in Paris. In fact, I found the people to be very friendly and helpful. That being said, Paris has nothing on Amsterdam. Amsterdam has a small-town feel to it, even though it is a fairly large city. The architecture is amazing - it's like you're walking around in a museum. There are also lots of great museums there - Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank's house, Rembrandthuis, the Jewish Historical Museum. The canals really make the city. As far as romantic scenery goes, Amsterdam is your best bet. I agree with the above post too, though. Holland has much more to offer than just Amsterdam. Check out the beach at Zandvoort. For really good cheese, try the cheese markets in Gouda or Edam. Utrecht and Haarlem are very nice cities to visit.

BTW, will someone tell what the hell's so great about having shaved privates? (I'd go for the sex museums, though)

He will: http://shaveeverywhere.com/

Hello fellow countryman :)

Dude...you ought to organise the NS Amsterdam meet ;)

If you decide to go to Amsterdam...don't spend your time only in Amsterdam. There is a lot more to see in the Netherlands. Go for a day to The Hague (Den Haag) and its seaside town Scheveningen..if you like modern architecture and strange buildings, make sure you visit Rotterdam. Delft, Haarlem and Utrecht all deserve honorable mentions. And the nice thing is, these places are all reachable by train within 1 hour from Amsterdam. You will have a good time.

Yeah! I'm actually moving out of my hideous faceless corporate hotel nightmare and moving to Haarlem. Found a really nice house...with a piano! Not that I can play....A PIANO! LOL

Dude...you ought to organise the NS Amsterdam meet ;)

Wait for my next visit!

Wait for my next visit!

LOLOL!!!! Yer on!....when are you planning on gracing us with your presents? :p

LOLOL!!!! Yer on!....when are you planning on gracing us with your presents? :p

I have to buy you presents!?!?

Not sure; I hope to try to make it by the end of '08

If you ahve to have a meetup before then, I'll cope, but we'll ahve to have a second one when I go :p

Amsterdam, if for nothing else than the bicycle friendly nature of the city.

Amsterdam, if for nothing else than the bicycle friendly nature of the city.

I love watching the stoners deal with the bikes The Amsterdammers are rather ...special when it comes to the stoner tourists...One of the top joys of Amsterdam ;)

Yeah! I'm actually moving out of my hideous faceless corporate hotel nightmare and moving to Haarlem. Found a really nice house...with a piano! Not that I can play....A PIANO! LOL

I for one fully believe that a piano is a necessary accessory to any true and proper household!

I have to buy you presents!?!?

Not sure; I hope to try to make it by the end of '08

If you ahve to have a meetup before then, I'll cope, but we'll ahve to have a second one when I go :p

Well I am here for at least the next ten years so yeah LOL

I for one fully believe that a piano is a necessary accessory to any true and proper household!

I do think a few lessons will not be amiss. However I have no idea how in tune it is...

Never thought I'd ask this...how much does it cost to tune a piano?

Dude...you ought to organise the NS Amsterdam meet ;)

Certainly not, I'm not a fan of Amsterdam. Now, if you talk about The Hague... Besides, HC Eredivisie lives much closer to Amsterdam so he should organise it :p

Certainly not, I'm not a fan of Amsterdam. Now, if you talk about The Hague... Besides, HC Eredivisie lives much closer to Amsterdam so he should organise it :p

Hey...I'm cool with Den Haag....its not like its a 3 hour train journey :p <--- at the Leicester folk LOL

Hey...I'm cool with Den Haag....its not like its a 3 hour train journey :p <--- at the Leicester folk LOL

Well, you got me thinking and it's actually possible I guess. Either in Amsterdam or something else that's easily reachable (maybe Rotterdam 'cause it's closer for the Belgians).

But there are cheap flights going from Amsterdam to all London airports (Easyjet), so if we plan one in Amsterdam we can have some Brits too.

What do you think?

But there are cheap flights going from Amsterdam to all London airports (Easyjet), so if we plan one in Amsterdam we can have some Brits too.

As well as the cheap ferry/cruise Newcastle-IJmuiden, with an Amsterdam busservice.

Why are they the only two possible cities?

Why are they the only two possible cities?

Utrecht and Haarlem are nice and reachable too. As is a variety of smaller cities.

Why are they the only two possible cities?

They aren't, they're just 2 examples. Eindhoven is one as well (close to Belgium and Germany, and flights to London Stansted). The Hague... Groningen or Maasstricht... There are a lot of possibilities...

They aren't, they're just 2 examples. Eindhoven is one as well (close to Belgium and Germany, and flights to London Stansted). The Hague... Groningen or Maasstricht... There are a lot of possibilities...

I mean in the poll.

Yeah! I'm actually moving out of my hideous faceless corporate hotel nightmare and moving to Haarlem. Found a really nice house...with a piano! Not that I can play....A PIANO! LOL
I was born in Haarlem. /useless info.:p
Certainly not, I'm not a fan of Amsterdam. Now, if you talk about The Hague... Besides, HC Eredivisie lives much closer to Amsterdam so he should organise it :p
We can go to Eindhoven, the Germansd could come too then.
Well, you got me thinking and it's actually possible I guess. Either in Amsterdam or something else that's easily reachable (maybe Rotterdam 'cause it's closer for the Belgians).

But there are cheap flights going from Amsterdam to all London airports (Easyjet), so if we plan one in Amsterdam we can have some Brits too.

What do you think?That you should organise.:p

As well as the cheap ferry/cruise Newcastle-IJmuiden, with an Amsterdam busservice.
*votes for IJmuiden as he lives there*
Utrecht and Haarlem are nice and reachable too. As is a variety of smaller cities.
Haarlem FTW.
They aren't, they're just 2 examples. Eindhoven is one as well (close to Belgium and Germany, and flights to London Stansted). The Hague... Groningen or Maasstricht... There are a lot of possibilities...Groningen is to far away, we could go to Luxembourg.

He will: http://shaveeverywhere.com/

Lolz.

Yeah, Groningen is too far away but Luxembourg isn't :rolleyes: :p

And I'm too busy to organise such a thing, I'm already organising way too much :(

Yeah, Groningen is too far away but Luxembourg isn't :rolleyes: :p

And I'm too busy to organise such a thing, I'm already organising way too much :(
Groningen is the middle of nowhere:p

So you have the experience to organise such a thing.;)

*votes for IJmuiden as he lives there*

You, dunes and fortress ? What else does IJmuiden have worth visiting :p ?

Groningen is the middle of nowhere:p

So you have the experience to organise such a thing.;)

Yes, I already got the experience, so maybe someone else should also learn ;)

You, dunes and fortress ? What else does IJmuiden have worth visiting :p ?
Nothing.

Though you can buy beer here, and it's close to Amsterdam.

You, dunes and fortress ? What else does IJmuiden have worth visiting :p ?

Is HC worth visiting then? :p

Is HC worth visiting then? :pI am, if you're a girl.:p

I am, if you're a girl.:p

Or into hot gay love :fluffle: :p

Or into hot gay love :fluffle: :pTrue:fluffle::fluffle:

Wait, that's not true....

WYTYG:fluffle::fluffle::p

True:fluffle::fluffle:

Wait, that's not true....

WYTYG:fluffle::fluffle::p

Tsssk, I thought you liked Desiree :p Or both :D :fluffle:

Tsssk, I thought you liked Desiree :p Or both :D :fluffle:
Sssshh, they might get mad.;)

Sssshh, they might get mad.;)

Well, I'm there to comfort them http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/RiverIsMyGoddess/icons/smiley_eyebrows.gif :p

Well, I'm there to comfort them http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/RiverIsMyGoddess/icons/smiley_eyebrows.gif :p
Everybody loves to pet a sheep, you mean?

Everybody loves to pet a sheep, you mean?

Yes, especially heavy petting ;)

Yes, especially heavy petting ;)Like those small children do when they hit you?:p

http://www.shinyfire.com/feats/top10cd/NOFX.jpg

Like those small children do when they hit you?:p

You obviously didn't get the reference :p

You obviously didn't get the reference :pI ignored it.:)

Yes, especially heavy petting ;)

http://www.black-magic.co.nz/home/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/blacksheep-1.jpg

Heavy, yes. Love, no.

God knows I'm rude to Eastern European migrants who speak poor English.

you're rude to all eastern european migrants :rolleyes:

i haven't been to either city yet but will go to both in about 3 or 4 weeks... amsterdam does sound like better fun though;)