File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Heading to Holland, July 1st - 8th.

Going to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Swifterbant, Amsterfoort(?), anywhere else you recommend? whats it like? problems etc
>> Anonymous
Dutch cities are generally easy-going. Your best bet is to not act like a dumbass, and even then, most people'll accept a little dumbassery now and then. As in most major cities, watch out for pickpockets, mostly Eastern Europeans in this case.
Leiden is generally recommended, maybe you can look into that.
Nijmegen is a good bet, very progressive and loads to do. But it's in the east of the country (not that that matters much, you'll be there in two hours)
If you're planning to smoke pot, be sensible. Most Dutch don't see anything wrong with taking some, but stoners wobbling around town holding a spliff are met with harsh looks. Stick with coffeeshops, your hotel, or perhaps public parks, if you can find a nice spot.
Be sure to time your visit while keeping in mind Geert Wilders' anti-muslim movie coming out, there might be a raging mob here and there.
>> Anonymous
>>12884
>>Amsterfoort(?)

Amersfoort.

Problems? Depending on where you're coming from, none I suppose. Try to speak British English (or at least, don't use the word "like" all the time) if you are American to prevent ugly looks and bad service, but otherwise the Dutch are a pretty level-headed bunch.
>> Anonymous
>>12888>>12890
Thanks for the advice, I'm Scottish but ive spent the last few weeks learning some basic dutch just to be polite and not seem a bit ignorant, Yeah we will be sticking to the coffee shops, gonna look into Nijmegen
>> Anonymous
>>12891
If you took the trouble to learn just a few words, people will be very helpful. A bit of "dank u wel" goes a long way, but that goes for most countries.

Since you've mentioned Amersfoort, you will be near Utrecht as well. That's a pretty large city with a nice historical city centre as well. Look into that.

Why on earth would you go to Swifterbant? That's got polder and.. nope, just polder.
>> Anonymous
>>12892
Haha, Yeah ive heard rumours, I know a few people from there and theyve asked i come see them
>> Anonymous
>>12891

Dutch phases generally earn you a few bonus points (like you said, it'll be polite and shows you made some effort), but if you're struggling, just switch back to English and it'll be fine.
If you're a lurker on /trv/, you'll know that the Dutch generally have an excellent understanding of English and can speak fairly fluently.
>> Anonymous
>>12895
Of course, we will snicker over your pronunciation, but don't hold it against us. Pronouncing Dutch is fiendishly difficult according to most foreigners.

>>12888
Definitely, go see "Fitna — The movie". If you thought the Danish cartoon riots were something, wait for this one! It's a good thing our dikes can probably take a 747 or two, or else we'd be in deep.. well, sea water, basically.
>> Anonymous
>>12898
>Pronouncing Dutch is fiendishly difficult according to most foreigners.

Difficult? Try "guttural". Seriously, their "g"'s are really something else.
Even more perplexing when a cute girl does it, like she's constantly trying to clear her throat something fierce. (ofcourse, I'd clear her throat, if you know that I mean)
>> Anonymous
I'm Dutch and I've never even heard of Swifterbant. What the fuck.

Anyway, Maastricht is nice and kinda different. It has some Roman buildings, amongst other things.
>> Anonymous
>>12900

That's not entirely true. In the southern parts of the country, North-Brabant and Limburg, people have what is called a 'soft g.' It's kind of like the German g/ch, I think. Not entirely sure if it's like that everywhere in Germany though.
>> Anonymous
Dutch is a completely useless language. Just use English while you're over there.
>> Anonymous
whenever you go to amsterdam:
book the flying pig hostel (downtown), fucking best ever! i had a great time there