This Site is Under Redevelopment Presently - expected Completion Fall 2009

My itinerary was simply elegant, but in my view quite the European Holiday. I flew into Schipol Airport on KLM at Dawn. being greeted by smiling dutch dutyfree faces, somehow loosens your cash flow before you embark into the city. I took KLM's private transport bus to the Swisshotel on the Dam Square. When I arrived I had a note waiting for me from my Host and Foodstock Partner Martin Vos; after getting checked in at light speed by the very efficient front desk staff, I enjoyed a sumptuous soak in a deep tub, and a fresh cup of tea, while relaxing into the business style accomodations of the Newest hotel in the Damrak. this is my view out of the window of my room, onto the Dam Square as the trains raced by in the early morning light. The Swissotel Amsterdam - is a Five star business property, Intimate but close to the action in the Damrak. (You can take a Visit to Virtual Amsterdam Here.) I also spent several nights in the Ultra Expensive Business Suites of the Radisson SAS, and I must admit I loved every moment of it. the closeness of it's location to everything, from the Central Station, to the Reggae and Coffee Shops along the canals of the Princengrak. click here to build your own Printable custom Amsterdam Mini Guide a very useful tool, Trust Me.

I wanted to see just a few things compiled into a short 4 day holiday, including the Bloody Palaces of the Dutch East India Company Founders; and the beautiful Views of the shops decorated for the holidays in the Kalverstraadt, and also in the Jordan. on short notice there are lots choices so we jumped into action, and contacted our friend Bibi, at the Bob Marley Coffeehouse. We got together that very same afternoon, after a full round of Shopping along the canalbelt, and enjoyed lots of laughs, and a few beers as well. Martin and I had planned to eat dinner at a restaurant that he had refered us to on the Email list where we met the Pancooken Haus (The Pancake Bakery, Prinsengracht 191 (Westerkerk), 6251333, 21:00, f17. )

One of the things that I least enjoyed about the Netherlands was the outward racism, and the traditions like Saint Nicholas Day, which is celebrated December 5, even in the Netherlands Antilles. this is how I met Curtis. We met one Christmas Holiday Trip, when I was on an airport shuttle bus in Aruba and complained to the tour guide that the tradition of Black Face was long outdated and quite Politically Incorrect. Curtis Laughed outloud and introduced himself, offering his services as a cultural ambassador and interpreter. I took him up on his offer, and we've been buddies ever since. I loved the Gigantic Wooden Shoes that every tourist seems to either photograph, like me, or attempt to try on, which I didn't. I also enjoyed the fresh attitudes in the city surrounding Safe Sex, like placing this gaily decorated condom box at the entryway to a very busy club, very thoughtful indeed. I also enjoyed riding the train, First class to Rotterdam and being able to enjoy a very delicious cuban cigar, without anyone telling me to put it out. Aaahhhhh Amsterdam..