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AMSTERDAM - STAY FOR LESS "Euros"

AMSTERDAM, though more famous, is not the Capital of the Netherlands, it’s Dan Hague? It was established in the 12C when the “Amstel” River was “Dammed”, hence its name. In it’s 15C “Golden Age” of Commerce & Wealth, the “Spiders Web” of Canals radiating out from the Dam Centre were constructed & Grand Houses on the banks were built, creating this unique City. To stay Best in Amsterdam is to be near the Central Hub for life, sights & activities.

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – STADSDOELEN (STAYOKAY) HI at Kloveniers burgwal 97 (Central, just off Amstel Canal, on edge of Red Lights District) tele +31. (0) 20 624 6832 – www.stayokay.com - E21pn.incl. a good breakfast & sheets – 186 bed/ dorms & good locker system. Self-catering. Kitchen now closed also Bar & Café since 2007. Only Reception sitting area with Internet but outside Patio & rear TV/ Rest Room to be opened soon. A good Hostel, although not as smart as Vondelpark, it’s location is ideal on the Canal side with Restaurants, Shops & Streets all around.

Reserve – Vondelpark (Stayokay) HI at Zand pad 5 (Quiet location, in Vondel Park South of City) tele +31. (0) 20 589 8996 – www.stayokay.com - E25 incl. breakfast & sheets – 475 bed/dorms - singles, doubles & 6 bed dorms with lockers (own locks) – No Self-catering. Kitchen but large Reception/ comfy seated Sitting area with Internet. An evening bar/ restaurant & separate TV lounge. This is a smart new Hostel but the busy Reception has the atmosphere of an Airport Departures Lounge & the trek into the City Centre a long way (easy for Museums though).

Note: Amsterdam is a Weekend “Party City” so you will need to book up well in advance!

FOOD – Supermarket chain – ALBERT HEIGN -is found all over & provides the best range of fresh fruit, veg. & general snack needs. There is also a myriad of sidewalk cafes for quick refreshments & plenty restaurants of all nationalistic cuisine’s but note its “Coffee Houses” which sell “Hash” legally.

TRAVELLING AROUND – Walking is best but needs care. Biking, next, is to “go native” & is most hazardous to the non-familiar; you can hire bikes, but don’t get it pinched! Trams, busses & the Metro are the way for longer journeys in & out of town, with Day Passes or better a 15 “Strippenkaart” for longer - 2 needed for Central Zone stops, it lasts 75 mins. Incl. transfers. Boat trips are good for Canal sightseeing at a cost, but there are “Free” Ferry trips across the Ijveer River (Old Zuider Zee) behind the Central Station. every 10 mins to the North shore, just get on & off– a City special!

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. CANAL WALKS – stroll along the many delightful cobbled Canal streets, a treat day & night!
2. FLOATING FLOWER MARKET – from 1862, Bloemen, the freshest flowers & plants daily
3. BEGIJN HOF – circa 1475 hidden away in Spui Sq. originally a Convent, No 34 oldest Façade.
4. DIAMOND TOURS - real “Sparklers” from rough to smooth & maybe pick up a gem (not free)
5. WATERLOO PLEIN MARKET - all sorts of ob j da from Sailors Hat, Bike Bell to Hash Lolly.
6. RED LIGHT DISTRICT - the extreme City lifestyle, an eye opener just to pass through!
7. JORDAAN DISTRICT – Gabled Houses & Coffee Shops, where the aroma outside is uplifting!
8. HEMP MUSEUM – The “Weed” educational experience in the Weed Capital of Europe
9. VONDEL PARK - a breath of fresh air in this 120 acres of lawns, gardens & musical entertainers
10. PUBLIC LIBRARY – Super new 2008 Building on the Waterfront – top views & free Internet!

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. VAN GOUGH MUSEUM – VG’s Art, 5 periods Neth, Paris, Arles, San Remy & Auvers-sur- Oise.
2. ANNE FRANK HOUSE – her diary was written here in confinement with 7 others in early 1940’s
3. RIJKS MUSEUM - Dutch art, 5000 paintings in 200 rooms, “Gall.of Honour”1st floor has the best!

SPECIAL TRIP TO ZAANSE SCHANS – visit this recreated Dutch Community (2 Train stops up line to Zaandam) then over River Ij to Village of 30 Cottages, Workshops for Delft Pottery, Clogs, Bakery & Cheese Makers & 7 spectacular Windmills on river front – it’s another real treat!

*Beatrice, Angelo, Bruce, Sheila – Jason & Phil, Adrian Sw, Shane & Lynda Oz, Jay Ir, Sharon Is