Well, Amsterdam and Paris at least.

I pulled the trigger on going and am heading over there next month. I'll be in Amsterdam for 4 days with a bunch of people and then I'm going to Paris for 3 days by myself.

I call on the Obnish who know these places to give me any and all info they have on cool shit to do, good restaurants, clubs, cheap hotels, etc..

I'm counting on you because I'm going to probably stick out like a sore thumb.

<----Speaks ZERO French.


I can't tell you how long I have waited to do this and I'm supremely stoked.

Wow...good for you. It's always nice to see Americans embracing culture.

Amsterdam: you will enjoy the Red Light District, the coffee houses, and the sex museum. I would highly advise you to visit the Anne Frank museum (if it interests you) before any mind-altering or hormone-stimulating activities.

Haven't been to Paris even though it's only 4 hours by train from London Waterloo. *cough*

I've been to Paris but I spent most of my time there either a) in a 'hotel' in an African ghetto area or b) in hospital.

Those two facts aren't completely unconnected. Luckily the booze is cheap. That's not completely unconnected to those two facts either.

Nice! Have fun.

*jealous*

Wear one of these in Paree- you'll get all the attention you can stand...

NIce.....enjoy!

Haven't been to Paris but spent some time in the French Alps in its sister city Lyon.

Have fun over there! Don't worry about the french speaking part, as long as you don't come off all touristy and an asshole they won't mind you so much.

I friggin would LOVE to go to europe.

seconded. the anne frank museum is an amazing experience in and of itself. don't know what kind of budget you're on, but my parents always stay at the hotel pulitzer when they're in amsterdam. it's pricey, but worth it. (and ocean's 12 was filmed there)

in paris, if you don't feel like tackling the louvre, check out the musee d'orsay- tons of quality impressionist works there. it's also worth it to take a walk near the seine, if weather permits.

everyone will speak english, but the french appreciate it if you try. quick french lesson:

"ou sont les toilettes?" (ooh sohn lay twah-let) - where is the bathroom
"je voudrais une biere" (juh voo-dray oon bee-air) - i'd like a beer
"combien coute-ca?" (cohm-bee-en coot-sah) - how much is it
"je baise" (juh bayz) - i fuh

For Amsterdam, when in the Red Light District, check for an adams apple. don't smoke at the Grasshopper, and try some space cakes at Coffee Shop 36 [Warmoestraat]. try some shrooms, and walk around...fucking blast. take a night time boat tour of the city. if possible, stay on the Damrak....most of the action is right nearby. the Swissotel on the Dam is a fantastic place to stay.

if possible, check out the Rijksmuseum. one of my favorite museums i've been too. vermeer, de hooch, rembrandt, dou, hals, bol, maes, steen, etc.

going back in february 2006, can't wait!

you're gonna have a blast Rick.

You are fucking qual, fick.

Derris-- you rat fuck son of a bitch, I hate you....yet I love you still the same. Wish I was going with you, brother, but you know how shit goes.

Just remember: "Mon Crayon, est large, mon crayon est jaune." = My pencil is big and yellow.

Dude, just watch "Gotcha" for everything you need to know.

And sorry, but I'm calling you out, cos a niggais going to the Cannabis Cup.

Hilarity.

I think we're forgetting what fabric Mr. Derris was cut from. He's a different kind of animal, a breed unfamiliar to many of Obner's posters. While I've got massive respect for Sketch, I disagree with his A. Frank suggestion. Remember, November is a special month in Amsterdam.

If you want to play Joe Backpacker (G-rated version), hit the Van Gogh, the Stedlik MoMA, Rembrandt's home, the Bulldog, Grasshopper etc. IF you're pretty skint, all of the above suggestions will hurt you. I suggest you save all $$$ for fun. Feel like getting your GAR on? Well, then I highly suggest you hit the Damp Kring, Green House and 7th Heaven very hard. Other party favors are almost too easy to find. Walk the street of the Flying Pig - watch for the shifty eyes. The RL District is novelty for about 45 seconds... and then wears off. They're hookers. In windows. With red lights. The majority of them (says a close source) once men, and IMHO, not even worthy to look at the goat.

Dalen's right. Hit the Rijk - it's practically free. I'd even suggest the Heineken Brewery tour which is surprisingly informative & affordable. Plus, you get lit before, during & after the tour. The Torture Museum is fun, but pricey and Joe B. might ward you off. I can already tell this is going to be a long post, so I'll PM you the rest.

Not so fond of Paris. Go to London instead.

NOVEMBER 2005

2 November Oasis, Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam)
4-13 November: HNB: Lines 1, Muzietheater (Amsterdam)
4 November Electronic Beats Festival featuring The Prodigy, Audio Bullys and Stereo MCs, Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam)
5 November Museum Night, various (Amsterdam)
7 November Sigur Ros, 013 (Tilburg)
9-12 November: Shen Wei Dance Arts, Muzietheater (Amsterdam)
11 November John Berendt, Amstelkerk (Amsterdam)
11, 12 November Music in My Head Festival
13 November The Frames, Tivoli (Utrecht)12 November Status Quo, De Molenheide (Schijndel)
14 November Four Tops & The Temptations, Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam)
EXTRA CONCERT 14 November Four Tops & Temptation, Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam)
16-23 November: HNB: Lines 2, Muzietheater (Amsterdam)
17 November Tracy Chapman, Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam)
18 November A-Ha, Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam)
19 November Madruga, Effenaar (Eindhoven)
20 November Madruga, Patronaat (Haarlem)
20-27 November Pan Amsterdam, RAI (Amsterdam)
20 November Michael Bublè, Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam)
21 November Four Tops, Martiniplaza (Groningen)
21 November Madruga, Vera (Groningen)
25 November Rufus Wainwright & Band, Stadsschouwburg (Groningen)

Shit, maybe I should book a quickie trip to Amsterdam with that lineup of acts going on.

My advice: definitely hit up the museums -- ain't nothing like 'em.

You lucky bastard, I never made it across the channel when I was there. I have heard nothing but degenerate tales of pornography and filth about Amsterdam. I am a lesser person for having missed it.

I endorse this suggestion 100%.

wow, I didn't realize this...I'm making a metal note of this one

I was just going to suggest this - might be my favorite museum, also.

Kate says go to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Under renovation, but still worth going. I also recommend the primo Ecstacy.

you should go to Rijksmuseum.

Your taste in movies never fails to impress me.

WE LOVE IT!

"Gotcha?!?!?!", Dude seriously, are you O.K. 'cos I worry sometimes..........

<-- no experience in France except Charle de Gaul airport for 6 hours.

Dammit, I say again, go to germany and put me in your suitcase. I'll fit.

Awesome. All of these will be used.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. Looks like I need to hit the Rijksmuseum and several "coffee" shops. As far as lodging goes I believe we are renting a flat out for 4 days while in Amsterdam. I think there are about 9-10 of us. In Paris I guess I'll just find a cheap hotel.

Thanks to Sketch, Dalen, fickerson, and moxie also for your posts.

Moxie, I will MOST DEFINITELY getting my "gar" on. The Amsterdam part of my trip will be with a bunch of people who's sole purpose will be to get completely trashed and indulge in all of town's earthly pleasures. So if you know any more inside tips I should know PM me.

I'll definitely check out the Anne Frank house. I'm a sucker for some WWII stuff. If I had more time in Paris I would love to go check out the beaches of Normandy on the coast.

Sketch, I'd love to hang in London but it's probably not going to be in the cards. This was all very last minute.

I guess in Paris I'll probably just do the touristy stuff just so I can say I've seen them/ been there. My time is kind of limited there anyway.

I'm pissed that 2 days after I leave Paris Black Mountain and Dead Meadow are playing there.


Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks again!

Oh yeah, Moxie, why is November a special month in Amsterdam?