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AMSTERDAM - STAY FOR LESS "EURO"

AMSTERDAM is the Capital of the Netherlands, its low land being mainly reclaimed from the North Sea. The City was established in the 12C when the Amstel River was dammed up, hence its name. The 15C was the “Golden Age” of Commerce & Wealth, when the “Spiders Web” of Canals radiating out from the Dam Centre were constructed. Also the Grand Houses on the banks were built, creating this special City as it is today. To stay best in Amsterdam you need to be near the Central Hub of these unique Buildings & Canals to savour Dutch City life.

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. good breakfast & sheets – 186 bed/ dorms & good locker system. Sadly self-catering Kitchen closed 2007 &great original Bar on first floor now used for breakfasts only. Only Reception, with Internet & outside Patio area available to relax but a rear TV/ Rest Room to be opened. This is a character Hostel, although not as smart as Vondelpark (below) it's location is ideal on the Canal side with stylish Restaurants, Shops & street life all around.

Reserve – Vondelpark (Stayokay) HI at Zand pad 5 (Open location, in Vondel Park well South of the City Centre & Rail Station) 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 but easy for Museums.

Note: Amsterdam is a Weekend “Party City” so you need to book well in advance for Fri/ Sats but if you're late & desperate simply buy a return Rail ticket to Schipol Airport & sleep there overnight in safety.

FOOD – Supermarkets ALBERT HEIGN are found all over the Centre & provide the best range of foods, fruit, veg. & general snacks. There is also a myriad of sidewalk cafes for quick refreshments & plenty of excellent restaurants. Note its “Coffee Houses” which sell the “Hash” legally.

TRAVELLING AROUND – Walking needs care & Cycling is to “Go Native” & is most hazardous to the non-local. Trams, busses & the Metro are the most convenient & sensible for the visitor & for longer journeys out of town. Day Passes or a “15 Strippenkaart”, 2 are needed for Central Zone stops, it lasts 75 mins. incl. transfers are required. Boat trips are good for Canal sightseeing at a cost, but there are bargain “Free” Ferry trips across the Ijveer River behind the Central Station. Leaving every 10 mins to the North Shore.

"FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. CANAL STROLLS - along the many delightful watersides cobbled streets & bridges, day & night!
2. FLOATING FLOWER MARKET – from 1862, Bloemen, the freshest flowers & plants sold daily
3. BEGIJN HOF – circa 1475 Park hidden away in Spui Sq. originally a Convent, No 34 oldest.
4. DIAMOND TOURS - real “Gems” see from rough to polished & maybe make an investment?
5. WATERLOO PLEIN MARKET - objda from Sailors Hats, Bike Bells to “Hash” Lollipops.
6. RED LIGHT DISTRICT - the “Sex City” area where the lifestyle is an eye opener just to pass.
7. JORDAAN DISTRICT – Gabled Houses & Coffee Shops, where the aroma outside is uplifting!
8. HEMP MUSEUM – “Weed” Educational Centre in the Liberal Country of Europe
9. VONDEL PARK - breath the fresh air in this 120 acre Park of lawns, gardens & music.
10. PUBLIC LIBRARY – Super new 2008 Building on Ijveer Waterfront – top views & free Internet!

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. VAN GOUGH MUSEUM – VG Art, 5 periods Neth, Paris, Arles, San Remy & Auvers-sur- Oise.
2. ANNE FRANK HOUSE – AF diary was written here in confinement with 7 others in early 1940's
3. RIJKS MUSEUM - Dutch Art - 5000 paintings in 200 rooms - “Hall. of Honour”1 st floor has best!
4. SPECIAL TRIP TO ZAANSE SCHANS (2 Train stops along line to Zaandam) this recreated rural Dutch Community Village of 30 Cottages & Workshops for Delft Pottery, Clogs, Bakery, Cheese with 7 spectacular Windmills situated on the River Ijveer front, is another real treat!

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