Why,
Amsterdam and Rotterdam are great choices. You will be flying into Schipol Airport? It's one of the better airports I have seen. They even have a smoking section and it isn't outside. Take the train into Amsterdam. There are streetcars and all sorts of public transportation available. Most people speak English. The money has recently changed over from Guilders to Euros. Most people in Holland do not mind short changing you so make sure that you understand the currency and count all change. Look over all sales receipts. Especially hotel bills. You wouldn't believe how many times I discovered over billing.
There are "coffee-shops" everywhere. When you ask for "the menu" you wil get a menu with all the available hashish and marijuana
Also, do not confuse coffee (MJ) shops with koffie (the beverage) shops. My favorite "coffee shops" are Betty Boop and the Bulldog. There are also head shops a plenty. You can find most anything there including herbal X and coca leaf.
Dont forget about the Van Gough museum ande Rijksmuseum. Also, you should check out the red-light district but do not take pictures. You may get your camera broken.
I do not recommend staying in the Old Centre. To me, it is too rough of a neighborhood although the rent is cheap. I prefer to rent an apartment in the residential part of town. You can always take a tram into the Centre.
Here is the phone number to the Netherlands Reservations Centre: 0031/704 195500. Their websites are:
http://www.hotelres.nl ; http://www.amsterdam.nl ; http://www.visitholland.com
I do not know what dates you are planning on going to Holland but late March and April is bulb season. Holland is gorgeous that time of year but it is still quite cold. Take gloves, coats, hats and scarves. Also, there are lots of pubs that will warm you right up with a drink or two.
Have fun. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures to post.
Robyn
Edited by - robdar on 24 January 2003 4:25:12