What do I need to know about Europe?

[WilliamPitt]

Specifically about Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, London, Oxford and Paris.

I will only have a little bit of time in each - more in Amsterdam, less in Berlin and Paris - so things like museums and art galleries are probably out. I need to know about:

Bars
Weather
Places to avoid

and any other special little quirks you can think of.

One last bit:

If anyone can help me figure out how to watch the baseball playoffs live somewhere, I will worship them.

Thanks.

[SoCalDem]

1. Some of it is OLD

and all of it is inhabited by "furiners".:P

[madmax]

3. SoCalDem - will you stop rubbing it in!

Please bring me some sand :evilgrin:

Have a great time. Are you taking a laptop with you? :)

[SoCalDem]

10. My laptop I bought LAST NOVEMBER is still in the original box

There are so many "plug-in-thingies", that I got scared.. I will have my son show me how to use it when we visit him at thanksgiving :)

[phatkatt]

5. And they make chocolate.

I'll post some tips later, Will.

Can't help ya with the ballgames, though.

[THUNDER HANDS]

2. bring an umbrella

I've never been to Europe, but it's always good to have an umbrella with you.

:)

[cosmicdot]

4. as if this would happen

... just take me with you to sort things out ... but, ~sigh~ who am I?

what's a little time in each?
what month?
some of those places are "big" places ... with lots of neighborhoods ... where will you be in each of these places? ...

[VelmaD]

6. *snort*

Museums are out...I need to know about bars...

Nice to see you have your priorities in order. :)

Have fun on your trip.

[WilliamPitt]

8. There's actually a purpose to that

I'll be meeting with a lot of people in a lot of places. Museums aren't very good for that, but bars are.

[VelmaD]

15. I believe you...

*cough bullshit cough cough*

Hey, this is Europe we're talking about. They sell beer at McDonald's for Pete's sake. Who knows...they might sell it in museum snack bars too. :-)

Unfortunately the folks I know in Europe aren't in any of the cities you mentioned. Now if you were going to Stockholm or Bucharest or Dublin I'd have you covered. I may be abel to find out something about London for you. When do you need to know by?

[cosmicdot]

17. but bars can be noisy, no?

[Divernan]

21. Only other Americans will be in bars watching baseball.

The Europeans will be watching soccer.

[radwriter0555]

43. Ryan Air and Easyjet are AWESOME for cheap airfares...

London ROCKS.

GREAT place for lunch is Maggie Jones at Kensington High Street. ASTOUNDINGLY brilliant NEW old style food.

YOU HAVE TO EAT LUNCH THERE, great place to meet up with folks.

[madmax]

7. Will - do you need someone to carry your luggage.

I'm available. :silly:

[trof]

9. Where are you staying in AMS?

That's the place I'm most recently familiar with.

[WilliamPitt]

12. Dunno

I'll find out when I get there.

[SiobhanClancy]

11. The Globe Hotel in Amsterdam

My cousin was there last year and they have a sports lounge with two big screen TVs and about 10 more...it was during the football playoffs,and they were on there,so they probably have baseball too. He also had a lot to say about the coffeeshops of Amsterdam,but I'm sure you're not interested in that sort of thing:)
I was there very briefly in 99,and would like to go back and spend a LOT more time.

[WilliamPitt]

13. I FORGOT TO ASK ABOUT INTERNET CAFE SPOTS

I'll need those to do truthout stuff. Any help?

[phatkatt]

36. Go to the library and get some tour books

Write down the addresses of internet cafes.

In London, there is one on the right side of victoria's station. There are many more.

Oh, the coffee is pretty good in those places also!

[LuLu550]

72. They are EVERYWHERE

really...far fewer computers in homes so there is an internet cafe on every other corner.

[LynneSin]

14. Don't wear any political, left-leaning tee-shirts on the day you're flying

Unless you're begging to have Airport Security to give you an extra hard frisking.

[Aristus]

16. The toilets in Germany can be a little iffy.

They are low-flow, for the most part. (And good on the Germans for their good environmental sense!) But they can get icky without enough water to flush away the nasty stuff.

Toilets on the trains should be avoided at all costs.

Have a great time, Will. Aside from the above, Germany is a wonderful place.

[Kellanved]

45. Some improvement in this department

The design-flaws you mention are no longer present in newer models (and the new public toilets, "City-Toilet", are a High Tech marvel).
T
rains are still a little uhmm, but not as bad as they used to be. Avoid trains on Fridays and Sundays/early Mondays; on these days the draftees go home/ return to their posts. Trains used on these days tend to be overcrowded, dirty and old. It can be unnerving to spend hours under conditions normally only found in commuter trains.

[Kamika]

18. London

They drive on the other side of the road so be careful

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WilliamPitt]

23. No, I'm not kidding, and don't call me a fucking Republican

The Red Sox are in the playoffs for the first time in four years, and I'd like to watch a game. If you can't possibly understand that, don't bother replying to this post.

[SiobhanClancy]

29. If I were going to Europe soon...

I'd manage to "soak up the flavor of the countries" and still watch the playoffs. The Red Sox are in them,and that is HUGE. How does that make someone a Republican? I suppose the Irish guys who were over here during the World Cup and found places to watch it should have just stayed home,too,by that criteria.

[phatkatt]

20. Info 'bout London

I haven't been to the other places other than Paris and Amsterdam.

Dress warm. Get weather info before you go.

London is lousy with great pubs! Best beer in the world, and the food in the pubs is pretty good. I had some great Chinese food in Chinatown also. There is a lot of pub crawl info on the 'net where people rate the pubs for quality of beer, portions (the locals bitch if the beer is not domed at the top of the glass!), atmosphere,
food, etc. Google "London Pub Crawl"

Soho has some great nightlife. Covent Garden and Leicester Square and the suroundings are were the action is. Downtown London pretty much closes down at night, but "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" is worth checking out during the day. "Black Friar" by the Thames (Queen Victoria St. base of Blackfriars Bridge) was one of my favs. NOTE: last call comes early, like 11:00, so don't nurse 'em too much.

[Divernan]

22. Try the night time London Walk for the Jack the Ripper tour.

Oooooohhhhh - scary, especially on a foggy night.

[trof]

24. Ok, here goes.

My favorite area in Amsterdam is the Leidseplein.
It's a large open square with street entertainers almost all the time, and a center for night life.
Surrounded by hundreds of bars and restaurants. Every ethnicity.
Indonesian is especially good.

This is my favorite ribs place:
De Klos
Kerkstraat 41 - 020-6253730
Restaurant specialising in ribs. \n\nLocated near the Leidseplein, accessible by tram 1, 2 or 5.
Cuisine: Cafe / Coffee Shop
Recommended Dishes: Smoked ribs, ribs Ribs Ribs and Garlic Bread Ribs, Escargot Ribs! ribs Spare ribs
Review: A rib joint

Review: Eat here NOW!
This is *the* place all my collegues ask to go to when they visit. I take all my friends and family who visit to de Klos (I'm taking a Swiss collegue there tonight). The food is great, there is plenty of it, and the staff are friendly.
Review: Ribz Palace!
This place is like heaven. Waiters are great, people are great food is great ... what isn't? Everything is great about the p(a)lace.
Review: A Real Score
With the many restaurants I have sampled in New York City, I unequivocally endorse Cafe de Klos. You go there for one thing, and one thing only - the positively, unmistakably, and most assuredly the best ribs in this galaxy. The portions are huge. P.S. Don't miss the bread and garlic butter ... as with the ribs, simply delicious.
Review: Best ribs in the world
Been there numerous times. It's always the best every time visited.
Review: Whoo hoo!
Been here so many times. The only thing to go for is RIBS. Meat extraordinaire on 'em. I'm going again in June and it's going to be the highlight of my weekend. Maybe three times in fact. And I'll have the ribs each time. Just fantastic. I've been going for 10 years + and none of my friends have been yet - but in June 2001 they will have and they'll just HAVE to go back!. See you in June fellas.
Review: The best ribs in the world
I've been there a lot, and always come back. Don't miss it on your next trip, even if the line is long...

If you like Scotch, stop in the Whiskey Bar a couple of blocks off the Leidseplein. The menu is HUGE. Must be over a hundred Scotches in stock. I think it's on Lange Leidsedwar Straat.

You'll probably also want to stroll through the red light district one night. Everybody does.

[dolo amber]

25. Baseball in the UK

Not everywhere gets channel 5 but this may help. I seem to remember the games not being *live* so much as like an hour and a half behind, but still....beats nuthin. ;) (Download the little *latest updates* pdf thingy.)

http://www.five.tv/home/frameset/?content=97740&

[WilliamPitt]

31. Awesome

Thanks!

[CBHagman]

26. No museums and art galleries?!

(Departs in a huff.)

[phatkatt]

27. Info 'bout Paris

1. First thing: the French know nothing about beer!! If you have to have a pint, there are always Irish pubs (look for the Guinness signs). Otherwise, stick to the wine. And, oh, what wine. For the truly Parisian lunch, get a bottle of wine (it's pretty cheap, BTW) in a sidewalk store, some cheese from a cheese shop, and a baguette from a bread shop, maybe some ham or smoked salmon, and go to the park and watch people while you eat/drink.

2. For your meetings, find a sidewalk cafe (they're all over the place). The menu usually consists of a choice for appetizer, entrée, dessert for one price.

3. Another note, if you order a "cafe", you will get espresso. They scoff at what we call "coffee". I think you can get it some places. They call if "cafe American" or something. The espresso is awesome, though, and is traditional after a meal. Please do not patronize the newly opened Starbucks in Paris. SACRILEGE!

4. Also, the traditional French evening meal lasts several hours! The touristy places probably won't take that long, though.

5. Important! The waiter will NOT bring you the bill until you ask for it. The French would consider that extremely rude. When you're ready, say "l'addition, sil vous plait"

6. I like the left bank, but it can get really touristy. Watch out for the panhandlers with sob stories.

7. Unless you have some time to kill, don't bother with the Eifel Tower. You can see the damn thing from most of the city anyway. Notre Dame is not to be missed.

[trof]

38. a little more Paris (breakfast) info.

Order a Croque M'sieu or a Croque Madame.
Croque M'sieu: Grilled ham and cheese on a toasty little bagutte.
Croque Madame: Same with a fried egg on it cause...you know...ladies got eggs and men don't.

Them Frenchies are fun-nee!
;-)

[GOPisEvil]

28. They got the same sh*t over there that they got over here...

...it's the little differences.



Find out what they call a "Whopper", OK? :D

[thom1102]

30. Amsterdam: Tour the Heineken Brewery...

Tour is relatively quick and sampling at the end of the tour.

[Padraig18]

32. You're not going to Ireland?

But the Irish LOVE Americans! *sniff* :spank:

[TEXASYANKEE]

58. Agreed!

The Irish are awesome and, boy oh boy, do they love their alcohol!!

[LynneSin]

33. Folks, I think this is a working vacation for Will

which is why his time is limited and he's skipping the museums. I know some of you have questioned why he's not bothering, but Will is going to let Europeans know that we are all not braindead yankees who follow Bush blindly into the depths of hell.

George Bush sent them Laura, we're sending them Will Pitt to clean up the mess that Laura has left behind!

Have a great trip Will!!!

[WilliamPitt]

34. Thanks, Lynne!

:)

[phatkatt]

35. Info 'bout Amsterdam

1. Don't go to the Anne Frank House stoned. Too intense. Afterward is OK.

2. English is taught along with Dutch in the schools, so there is almost no language barrier. Most of the folks working there are American hippies anyway.

3. Don't take your camera into the Red Light District.

4. Try to stay on a canal boat if you can. Cool!

On Edit: I misspelled "language". How humiliating.

[Xithras]

37. Carry your wallet in a front pocket

Lost a wallet and about 200 pounds, all of my credit cards, and my ID on the London Underground. Three days later, in Paris, I was knocked over and had another stolen in front of the Louvre. When I commented to the police that I seemed to have attracted the attention of Europes underground, he replied that "American tourists are easy targets and are easily recognizeable...they're the only ones with wallets in their unbuttoned back pockets." He suggested that I carry it in my front pocket for the rest of my stay.

Just passing the suggestion on...

[trof]

42. beware of Paris gypsy youth gangs on the metro

They surround you begging or trying to sell you some junk on the platform or the train and while you're distracted one will get behind you and slit your pocket with a razor. Happened to a friend and he never felt a thing until he went to pay for a beer.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

46. I've been to Paris every year-have never encountered gypsys

I have in Rome. If you don't look like a tourist, you won't get harassed.

[ScreamingMeemie]

39. My feet have never left American soil, sadly, but wanted to wish you the

best. Safe trip...I can't believe Europe ranks above Detroit...sheesh. And I even bought your book instead of checking it out at the library....;)

[Kellanved]

40. OK, Berlin

Even if you don't have much time, you should visit the Reichstag dome and the Brandenburg gate.

If your're arriving by train: I don't know where your hotel is, but if it's reasonable you should use the Ostbahnhof and not the Bahnhof Zoo. It's newer and you get one free sightseeing tour, as the train passes many sights. As a bonus: the "east-side-gallery", the longest remaining stretch of the wall is located directly at the Ostbahnhof (The Wall: Be careful with Wall-pieces, as the concrete contains huge amounts of asbestos).



If you're arriving by plane: All Berlin Airports are tiny, you can hardly get lost there; Tegel is only connected by bus to the public transportation System - arriving there without someone to pick you up can be a major pain in the ***.

If you're using the Public transportation system: remember to void your ticket before entering a train. Normal tickets are good for two hours after voiding.

If you want local fast-food try Currywurst or Döner Kebap. However it can be difficult to get either in acceptable quality - look closely before buying (especially Döner: it should like layers of meat, not layers of hamburgers).

Tips: The usual European 10%. Less in Taxis.

Bars:

Paris Bar: located near the Bahnhof Zoo it is the single most famous bar in Berlin, often frequented by celebrities. The food is overpriced, so don't eat there.
http://www.parisbar.de/

Aufsturz: Oranienburgerstraße; Pub and Restaurant, mostly frequented by leftists. Famous for it's huge beer selection and reasonable prices. Only Heineken is on draft.

Soda: In a former Brewery in the Prenzlauer BErg district this Restaurant/Club/Bar has a interesting Menu (including Locusts; otherwise Italian/German/Asian crossover). The Cocktails are OK most days, but the Bar is only fully staffed on weekends.


I'm not that much a Cocktail person, so I don't have any real "insider" hints. There are many very elegant bars in the Mitte district, and Scene Bars in Schöneberg (gay), Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. You shouldn't have any problems finding one.

For coffee I recommend the local Starbuck's like "Einstein" chain. The original Cafe Einstein is located in a old villa; people like the Interior Minister and even the Chancellor can be met there sometimes. The prices are a little hefty; the coffee is the best in Berlin and well worth it however. The subsidiary near the Brandenburg Gate offers lacks the "west Berlin" flair, but has the same quality and guests as interesting.


Weather:
cold and rainy (under 10°C / 50°F)

Places to Avoid:
Depends: I wouldn't be on the streets in the eastern Suburbs at night and would be extremely cautious in Kreuzberg and Wedding.

Otherwise: Checkpoint Charlie is a rip-off, not worth a visit.

Playoffs
AFAIR those won't be during your time in Berlin, however they're shown live in local digital cable television. Wouldn't be a problem to find a place showing them.

Edit: Internet Cafes
No Problem, most Coffee-Shops offer WLAN Internet for Notebooks. Real Internet cafes ranging from normal cafes with one PC to huge rooms with hundred or so PCs are found everywhere in the city.

If you need/want further Information or help: PM me or ask in this thread.

[Duncan Grant]

71. The Reichstag dome is a must see!

Will - if you see nothing else you must see the Reichstag. The symbolism of the architecture will have an impact on the work you are doing.

Berlin is astounding!

[Bossy Monkey]

41. Baseball: If all else fails, try MLB.com

They stream regular season games on a delayed basis. There's a blurb on the site now saying international fans can watch today's games for $2.95 at the site. Presumably, this wouldn't be delayed. http://www.mlb.com/ of course

Try to make it to the Rijksmuseum and the Musee d'Orsay if you possibly can. Even an hour would be sufficient to see some amazing stuff. Oh and, you know, that other Paris museum.

Weather should be comparable to Boston, but maybe pack some extra sweaters/mufflers kind of stuff.

Other than that, remember, YOU'RE AN AMERICAN. If they don't speak English, JUST TALK LOUDER! (Kidding :))

[Ratty]

44. Don't handle the fruit!

If you're buying fruit DO NOT pick it up and handle it to find out if it's ripe and fresh.

Also, last time I was there, you had to bag your own groceries!! Imagine that!

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

76. What happens if you handle the fruit?

Do hoardes descend upon you?

[supernova]

47. If you use the subway

you will be expected to fork over your seat for an elderly person. It's only proper. And the old buggers enforce it too. Noncompliance is very likely to get your calves rapped with the cane.

Note: The above only applies to the continent. Cannot speak for the UK.

[JohnKleeb]

48. Go to county galway in Ireland and look for Keowns

If so tell them I said :hi:, I am joking I dont even know if I still have family in the emerald isle. Also go to the capital of Slovenia, Lubijana I think it is, and look for Beltz's or Bevec's, and tell them I said :hi:. I dont know where in Germany and Slovakia my family members came from so I cant tell you that. J/K Will I would do this myself. I would love to meet a relative overseas, I am not sure if we have any in Ireland or Germany but in Slovakia and Slovenia I am almost positive.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

49. Paris: The Marais, Oberkampf, Bastille/Republique areas

have great restaurants, bars, and clubs. I will put a list together for you-I used to go to Paris once or twice a year and lived there for a year in the '80s.

Also, The Orangery has reopened. It focuses on early 20th century modern art-early Picasso, Matisse, Mogdilani, etc. It's near the Place Concorde.

Where are you staying in Paris? I know of some awesome, cheap hotels too.

[never cry wolf]

50. It's been 25 years but here's my 2 cents

Amsterdam: I was a college student from a lily white suburb. My buds and I were astounded by the red light district. Just to see the legalized system was amazin, product sitting in store windows, price list and health dept certificate on the doors. Worth a stroll just for the culture shock. If you get any time at all the Van Gogh museum is simply amazing.

London: Picadilly circus area seemed to have many nice places and was hopping. As poor college students we could only look, however. I am not sure if it is still there but there was a restaurant called the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory (I think). If you get homesick for some good za.

Paris: The square outside the Pompideaux Center is a large outdoor gathering place with street performers, soapbox orators, etc. The left bank/latin quarter and good places to hang, generally the student areas. Try a donner kebob for lunch from a sidewalk stand. Essentially a gyros on a baguette, and don't forget the pomme frites. French Joke: How do you drive a Belgian crazy?? Put him in a round room and tell him there is a pomme frite in the corner.

One more thing about Paris and much of Europe, WATCH YOUR STEP!!! Literally, I mean it. The french love their dogs and take them everywhere and I don't think they know what a pooper scooper is. When I was there the michelin guides were the best way around.

Good luck, have a fun and safe trip!!

[phatkatt]

51. Funny story about doggie poop.

I was in Nice, French Riviera, designer shopping district, glitz and money everywhere, no pooper-scooper law. Dog shit everywhere on the sidewalk. Kinda ruined the whole image.

[Kellanved]

52. I second the "watch your step" part

Awful; and everytime when fining behavior like that is discussed, a public uproar stops the discussion. Very few mayors dare to take the heat. Of course it's illegal even now to leave your dog's products on the street, even without a special fine, but enforcement is another matter entirely: policemen tend to look the other way.

So yes: watch your step and a second pair of shoes is never a mistake.

[never cry wolf]

69. As a college student I did alot of walking

and had a great pair of Sears hiking boots, you know, the kind where the sole and heel are like tire treads. There may have been doggie doo-doo all over the place but try to find a nice stick when you need one, no way!!

[BritishHuman]

53. Great Pub in London

The Porterhouse, Maiden Lane. I've had several meets with people from the Internet there; it's really nice inside, serves a wide range of beers and is conducive to conversation, too.

A link with details and directions

practically across the strees is the Maple Leaf, a canadian themed bar. That was good, too...

Have fun!

[Don_G]

54. Don't Take A Dart Game Personally?

And don't mention Matcom, darts and DU in the same breath unless you want to hear about it for a while from across the "pond."

[kodi]

55. watch out for lions, tigers, bears, and socialists.

ops, thats canada. never mind

[Deb]

56. Using a travel agent?

Have them purchase your Metro, Underground or Train tickets/pass in advance if you're not leaving right away. Use a smaller suitcase, to fit in the onboard train baggage and between turnstyles. Take a cab around the Arch d'Triumph, it's a blast!

Paris Metro is easy to use, color coded. If you think you'll be walking around Paris without locals I suggest these maps - http://www.popoutmaps.com/

Do NOT carry your passport or money in your back pocket!(experience talking) If you smoke, take your own. Parisians take their own bag lunch on the train, take that cue.

Autumn is a great time of year to visit London and Paris, wear layers. Sidewalk vendors will be roasting chestnuts, try some. :evilgrin: Apples will be in season, fair warning on any dishes made with Calvados. (French apple brandy) Have a great trip!

[Aristus]

57. Just thought of something else, Will.

There is a really good Tex-Mex place just off of Cromwell Road in London. (At least there used to be.) If you get a hankering for some American food that is not the plasticized fast food crap, give it a try. It's on the corner, near the Cromwell Road Underground Station. The food and the atmosphere are incredible. I remember getting really liquored up once at a pub, staggering on the tube. Getting off at my hotel stop, and weaving my way into that place cause I knew they had great chow. Try it!

[Skittles]

59. THEY ARE F***ING WEIRD

YOU'LL FIT RIGHT IN. :7

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

75. Skittles

You are so subtle about everything. I love it. :evilgrin:

[rucky]

60. Hitchhiking Rules!

but only in the countryside.

[MaineDem]

61. Armed Forces TV

Last time I was in Europe we could watch baseball on the military channel. (This was in German hotels.)

Remember that pot is legal in cafes in Amsterdam. Behave. :)

From what I've been told there are more internet cafes and such in Europe than in the US.

Have a wonderful trip. Will you back in time for the World Series?

[HuckleB]

62. Baseball in Paris?

There is a Bar/Restaurant serving American food and wine near the Louvre called Joe Allen. I don't remember if there is a television there, but it might be worth a shot at catching a game.

[hussar]

63. If you get time while in Oxford area

nip up to Warwick on the M40 see the castle and drop in for a cup of tea at my sisters house !
Don't forget to have plenty of curries and Balti's while in the UK can't beat em.

[HuckleB]

64. Warning: They're all New York Yankees fans!

So watch what you say.

[democracyindanger]

65. A-dam and London

London:

Best Indian food in the world, outside of India of course. Also, worst English food in the world. Make it a point to eat at a good Indian restaurant.

When you're crossing the street, remember to look right. They even paint 'LOOK RIGHT' at the curb. Seems like a little thing, but it took a couple close calls for me to hammer it into my brain.

Payphones are non-existent. If you think you'll be calling people on the run, rent a cellphone.

Pubs close at midnight. Then you have to find a wine bar.

London cab drivers rock.

If you can fit it in (I know this is a working vacation) check out the British Museum, filled with "liberated" artifacts from English conquerors. I'm not talking vases. I'm talking pieces of the Parthenon. Time consuming, but well worth it.

A-dam

Don't remember much outside of a coffee shop called Dutch Flowers. But I do recall it was freaking coooooold. And Dutch people are tall. Trams are the way to get around the city. Did I mention Dutch people are freakishly tall?

As for baseball, I bet Sky Sports will have it on, they show everything. I watched a preseason Chargers-Cardinals matchup in India. Go figure. Check your local listings.

And overall, I hope you like cigarette smoke. Have fun.

[SOteric]

66. Remember the cultures are different

and subtle things like eye-contact, 'personal space,' and whether or not to address someone casually with a first name or nickname are different in differing cultures.

Be your charming and intelligent self and I'm sure you'll do well, - but in Paris and Berlin, refrain from makey the A-Okay sign with your hands.

Any place you visit, -try the beer. In German you say "beer." In French you say "beer." And in Nederlandische you say "beer."

Take less luggage and more pictures.

Prepare yourself to face the fact that their showers make a disappointing comparison to fierce American plumbing, - but the beer and the amazingly warm and accepting people will more than make up for it.

Most of the places on your itinerary are not substantially different in their weather than is Boston this time of year. Coolish, perhaps a bit of rain.

Comb your hair, smile that dazzlin' smile and win some friends; influence people. Show those folks that the people of America still need, love and respect them even if the arrogant dick in the White House thinks he doesn't.

Have a blast, Will. Hurry back and tell us all about it.

[Jonte_1979]

67. First of all

The capitol of Europe is Haagendaz - meaning "jolly postman" in Nederlandish.

People drive on the sidewalks.

The most common animal is the Andalucian dog.

[Jonte_1979]

68. I forgot to mention

That we worship Jerry Lewis - I mean literally worship Him. It is against the law to speak ill of Him. The punishment is being subjected to German Eurovision Song Contest entries for 44 consequtive days.

[LuLu550]

70. Left Bank in Paris

Hotel St. Jaques...fabulous and relatively inexpensive.

[RainDog]

73. antwerp

if I were you, I'd take the train from amsterdam to antwerp.

the train station in antwerp itself is beautiful to behold.

Right outside of the train station is the zoo, if you're so inclined. The diamond district is closeby as well.

but easily within walking distance is Rubens' house, a definite tourist stop. it's off a big shopping street whose name escapes me now because I haven't been there in so long.

you have to go to the Grote Markt, the town square of all Belgian towns. The Grote Markt is dominated by Onze Lieve Vrouw, the "Notre Dame" of Antwerp, with more Rubens inside, etc.

Also in the old town area is the old butcher's guild house, and it used to be very close to the picture window pro shops...just sightsee, don't try the merchandise, okay? :)

one of the first printer's houses is nearby and you can see how they used to make maps and books and all that.

You should eat mussels while you're in Antwerp...also potato croquettes with braised belgian endive (witloof)

Antwerp is Flemish, not French speaking, btw. But most everyone speaks English.

If you want to find some American/English books, you can go to FNAC, a huge bookstore off the Grote Markt. Make sure you check out all the comix...Belgians are famous for it.

I don't remember if they have a W.H. Smith or not, but I used to live for Tuesday when I would get the Sunday New York Times.

Antwerp has a beautiful Art Deco district, too.

Leonidas chocolates are very affordable and good. Neuhaus is superb, better than Godiva, to me.

You can get Belgian waffles from sidewalk stands. These are the kind that are sticky and you get them in a paper to hold them.

But you can also get really good waffles in little cafes with whipped cream and berries...most everyone takes afternoon coffee and a little pastry or something.

breakfasts are easy to get- bakeries all over the place-breakfast are patekjes? (I forget) the pastries are for the afternoons.. napoleons and fruit tarts.

there is a very nice, small museum which is the former house of a man...small Brueghels...if you really want to know I'll find the name for you.

[RainDog]

74. oh yeah, have change to pay to enter a toilet, or to tip the

person who cleans up.

if you take a train, pack bottled water or whatever and some sandwiches.

one time I was in Germany and they had this stainless steel toilet in Aachen, and when you closed the door, it sort of got all hosed down inside. weird.

I mean after you left it.

[ForrestGump]

77. And when I was in Amsterdam....

I actually think that your physical appearance will help you blend in with a crowd of Hollandaise persons but if you decide to further the cultural subterfuge by getting wood, as footwear, make sure that your wooden shoes have been carefully sanded. Some of the splinters in those things are rather vicious and you wouldn't be the first to expire from blood loss as a result of a clogged artery.

In general Amsterdamsters are friendly and open from 9 to 5. Amsterdamiens do, however, frown upon strangers sticking their fingers in local dikes...the entire populace of the Nether Regions will condemn you as Peer Git if you do anything so gauche and you are liable to find yourself heading for entirely the wrong kind of canal at a great rate of knots.

Speaking of which, Amsterdamnations are notoriously liberal in their views on sex. Everyone is either male or female, with some overlap.

And they have both blue light and red light districts in Amsterdam - I have no idea why, but I think that the blue light districts sell housewares for cheap whereas the red light areas exact a pound of flesh for sales of specialized hardware.

Be good, be safe, and if you're going to go splashing around in canals make sure to wear your rubbers.

[SOteric]

79. *LOL* You're killin' me here, Gump.

[ForrestGump]

80. Stand back! I'm a trained First Responder!

This woman is suffering! She needs the Kiss of Life!



And then she needs me to massage her chest!

[NewYorkerfromMass]

78. Q: Do you like to eat breakfast?

then do not go to Europe! :mad:

Seriously, I had a HUGE problem with not being able to find a coffee shop where I could sit down and have a decent breakfast that was more than a bread product and a freaking demitasse of espresso. Bacon, eggs, toast? forget about it!

I don't know about the British Isles, but I speak of Italy, Austria and Germany.

[Kellanved]

85. French Breakfast: Cigarette and Coffee; sometimes a Croissant

;-)

But no: there are of course American/Canadian Delis offering something you'd call breakfast (some of which are a little hard to find, I admit).
And many of the "younger" cafes have a broad breakfast selection; mostly but not exclusively that's different types of bread with different things to put on the bread; along with a selection of Omelettes and eggs(a small warning: unless you say otherwise breakfast eggs come with the yolk still liquid). Bacon is no problem, Pancakes etc. are.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

86. Much like the German "breakfast"

Belly up to the espresso bar for your kave and measly little morsel of bread and stand (you have to pay to sit) at a high table and slurp it down.
I'm not saying you can't get breakfast there, it's just that if you really want to eat substantially you have to pay for it.

[Kellanved]

88. exactly

Continental Breakfast can be very disappointing if you're used to "real" brakfasts.

[myomy]

81. I lived in Berlin for 12 years and I discovered

it's best not to look like an American.

[Maine Mary]

82. That you'll be missed

by all of us here at DU. Have fun but check in and say hello :hi: once awhile.

[HEyHEY]

83. I think someone I was realted to came from there

[amazona]

84. may i piggyback my ? about AMS --going in January

I have been reading the thread with interest, and I have made a note of the ribs place in Amsterdam, although a little voice of southern skepticism is whispering in my ear, they just think they know how to do ribs. I am also relieved to learn that English is commonly spoken.

I have never visited before, so I have a lot of questions. I was looking at renting a houseboat that says it is under a windmill. Are these windmills very noisy?

Is there a coffeehouse that caters to an over-40 crowd? And here is a really stupid question, but would they sell hash brownies? My travel companion is very sensitive to smoke, or he thinks he is.

I am also reading the site amsterdamhotspots but I know you guys have the best ideas.

To the person who said, "don't look like an American," how do you do that? Other than sewing a little Canadian flag on our backpacks which my friend is not going to go along with...maybe a little French or Italian flag, not that he speaks either language, but that is his heritage. :-)

And here is a real off-the-wall question: Has anyone here used birdingpals to meet up with a birder in Europe or elsewhere?


did someone mention a heinecken tasting tour?

[Aristus]

87. One more thing, Will.

There are some train stations, especially in the extreme polar regions of the British Isles, that have free showers for train passengers just getting off a long trip. You go into this place, pony up a pound coin deposit, and get a towel. You take your shower, return the towel, and get your 'quid' deposit back. Cool! There's nothing like a shower after the London-to-Glasgow run. When the Chimp is defeated next year, my recommendation for his punishment is that he suffer through the London-to-Glasgow, in a seat, not a sleeper, with nothing to drink and only an English-made cheese-and-onion sandwich to eat. The fires of Hell are not more hideous!

[T_i_B]

89. Oxford?

I've got family round there. The centre of Oxford is a bit to touristy for my liking and a tad cramped for my liking too but the surrounding areas are very nice indeed.

I'd try to get to whatever it is you are up to in London but I suspect I will be very busy indeed at that time.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

90. where a canadian (blue jays?)baseball cap...and tell them your from

Toronto it'll save ya alot of grief

[Kellanved]

91. hardly

People dumb enough to get aggressive tend to be too dumb to tell apart Canada and the US as well.

[T_i_B]

92. Besides

I see enough English people wearing NFL gear and the like.

I suspect all that Will Pitt will have to do to deflect any anti-Americanism from strangers will be to produce his book for them. :-)

[Zuni]

93. Well in Amsterdam, you can smoke

all the hash you want and then go to live sex shows.
I am hoping to visit there one day.

[Zuni]

94. that 'second toilet'

is a bidet--don't piss in it.

[trigz]

95. Amsterdam, London, Oxford, Berlin

Amsterdam:
The friendliest of the big cities in Europe. Watch out for bicycles and do not fall asleep in Dam Square - they flush the entire city around 5am each day, making it nice and clean for a new day. The famous Red Light district is actually quite friendly and nice, and very cosy in daylight. Can't tell you anything about the "ladies" there (other than that they are insistent to the point of being a pain in the arse), but check into the magnificent coffee shops for some creamy, delicious east indian coffee, and a massive spliff at reasonable prices (note: it is considered extremely rude to smoke joints on the streets, even if it's not illegal per se).

Travelling on a budget? Get yourself to HOTEL KABUL in the Red Light District and check into one of their dorms. It's a fantastic place to stay with very friendly and helpful staff. For good places to go out at night there is a plethora in the Red Light District. Bulldog Bar in (something)...Gracht is wicked. There is also a cafè on Dam Square which turns into a classic Dutch beer-Kneipe in the evenings you ought to check out. The average Dutchman or woman is tremendously friendly and corteous, so don't be afraid to ask about anything.

Berlin:
Too big to give you any particular advice. But if you have the opportunity, try and stay in East Berlin. It's cheaper and the people are more friendly there. Get yourself to the Olympiastadion to watch a game of football (Hertha Berlin, draws upwards of 60.000 spectators). There are loads of cool places to go off Kurfürstendamm, the main street in central Berlin.

Oxford:
A nice and pleasant town, but boring, in the long run. Worth a day or two, but move on, friend...

London:
The coolest city in Europe. Get yourself into Camden Town or Soho for a good time. Avoid shopping on Oxford St at all costs if you're short on money, as it's dead expensive. Take an evening in Brixton and go clubbing, but be careful who you talk to. Take a jog through Hyde Park. If you like football, get yourself to a match featuring AFC WIMBLEDON. It's a breakaway club formed by disgruntled fans of FC Wimbledon of the 1st division. AFC Wimbledon play in division 8, but have taken all of FC Wimbledon's fans with them and average an attendance of more than 3,500 rabid, singing, shouting, partying fans!

London is way, way too big (13M inhabitants) to recommend any particular bars or pubs; they're all over the place, but Camden Town is the centre of the music/alternative scene in London, whilst Soho is the home of the party animals (roughly speaking). You will deffo have a great time going into one of the local pubs and chatting to the regulars as well, though, the Brits are great.

Buy yourself Lonely Planet: Europe. It's a good book and a fine reference point for most places in Europe. But above all else, get yourself to Oslo, Norway and chat up a local girl or two!

Baseball? What is baseball? Oh, you mean cricket? ;)

Have a great trip. Welcome to Europe.