Reply #24: A few more odds & ends [View All]

[trof]

Common, everyday courtesy (the kind we used to have?) goes a long way in Amsterdam.
I found the natives to be generally friendly, moreso than in some other large European (and American) cities.

Some of the biggest, healthiest looking, most beautiful women I've ever seen. I'm talking tall AND well built with peaches and cream complexions. I have fond memories of sitting at a sidewalk cafe in spring and summer, sipping a few beers, and just watching the passing parade. I'm such a voyeur. ;-)

Heineken is the generic Budweiser of Amsterdam. Try Grolsch (especially at the crowded student union at the U. of Amsterdam), Orangeboom, Amstel. Outlying villages usually have a local brand. If a lover of single malt Scotch whisky, seek out The Whisky Bar on a little side street off of the Leidseplein. There must be over a hundred on the menu. Just ask around the square. Don't miss the Bastille bar, also just off the Leidseplein on a canal. A 30+-something crowd, throw the peanut shells on the floor. Don't miss their annual Bastille Day party on July 14. Free hot dogs & burgers and a band on a barge in the canal.

If you need accommodations until you find permanent housing, I recommend the Marriott
http://www.marriott.com/dpp/PropertyPage.asp?MarshaCode=AMSNT very pleasant staff, nice rooms, especially the ones with small balconies. The free self-service guest laundry is very handy.

Also not to be missed is the rijstafel (literally rice table) at one of the many Indonesian restaurants. A multi-course meal. One of my favorite places is Sama Sebo. Some of the best smoked, grilled ribs I've ever had were at De Klos
Kerkstraat 41, and the bartenders/waiters are some of the friendliest and funniest I've ever come across. Rose's Cantina has good Tex-Mex and excellent Margaritas.

Don't know how much office space you'll need, or what's available at what price, but you could do a lot worse than around the Leidseplein.

Good luck.