Hello from FL/USA - Quick questions

[BeachBUD]

Greetings all. I am considering my first (and possibly only) trip to Amsterdam. I have wanted to go for a couple of years, and have been waiting to find someone to travel with (only Amsterdam, I will go almost anywhere else in the world alone without worry). But it seems like life is slipping by, and I am almost ready to travel to Amsterdam alone.

Can I get by speaking only English? I assume so.
Travelling alone as an American, will I find GOOD people to hang out with?

How aware do I need to be of personal security? This is the big issue about travelling there alone for me. Wandering around alone and stoned in a foreign city seems to be inviting disaster.

When does it start to get cold there?

I think I want to stay in Centrum. Is there a better area or hotel within Centrum to stay for convenience to coffee shops and live music ?

[badbone]

Greetings all. I am considering my first (and possibly only) trip to Amsterdam.

first ... Welcome to ACD

Can I get by speaking only English? I assume so.

YES

Travelling alone as an American, will I find GOOD people to hang out with?

there are usually lots of friendly ACD stone in town ... and there's always gapie, aka Stan the Man .. the city's greatest stoner .. and definitely one of the nicest

How aware do I need to be of personal security?

feel actually more secure in Amsterdam than I do in my home town

[ftcarer]

Hello &

Greetings all. I am considering my first (and possibly only) trip to Amsterdam.

first ... Welcome to ACD

Can I get by speaking only English? I assume so.

YES

Travelling alone as an American, will I find GOOD people to hang out with?

there are usually lots of friendly ACD stone in town ... and there's always gapie, aka Stan the Man .. the city's greatest stoner .. and definitely one of the nicest

How aware do I need to be of personal security?

feel actually more secure in Amsterdam than I do in my home town

^^^^ That

[Mr_Gav]

English is basically the first laguage in Amsterdam centre. Amsterdam is very safe to walk around alone pretty much anywhere 24/7, the red light district, which I perceived to be very dodgy before I went, is probably the safest place in the city at night. There are criminals in Amsterdam who target tourists but, not even close to the extent you see in other cities around the world. Centrum is best place to stay in my opinion, that's where all the fun is

[Arsonist]

feel actually more secure in Amsterdam than I do in my home town

Quoted for truth.

& Welcome, BB.

[angry pirate]

welcome bud, as others have said, no reason to feel unsafe in Centrum. Get booked up.
As for who's around, pick your dates, then check FBN's comprehensive "who's in town" page.
Peace.

[redeyezman]

The safest, cleanest city on my whole 15 day train trip of Europe. Did Paris, Normandy, Rome, and Amsterdam. Never had one person ask me if I wanted to buy any hard drugs (but we weren't out much past midnight) and only seen one panhandler the whole time. A blind fellow shaking his cup so hard I could hear it over the whole crowed about 1,000 feet away. Panhandlers in Paris made my wife cry because she forgot not to take the crap they hand her. Rome was pretty dirty, rightfully so though I suppose.

If there is one reason not to go, it is because once you have gone you will always want to go back. I thought my first trip would be my only trip too, but no way in Hell! I'm trying to recruit two very close friends to go with me, and it is on both of their bucket list.

Finding people to hang out with kinda depends on your personality. Lots of people from the forums here will meet up for a T&T.

Get a money pouch that is tight against your skin if you are paranoid about being pick-pocketed, and just GO!

[Marco]

I would add that if you travel alone, prepare to be independent. In other words, be happy if you meet some cool people, but be ready for that not to happen. Don't trust everyone you meet either!

It is cold in Amsterdam now, btw

[Willjay]

Hello, what others said Amsterdam is safer than most US cities of that size

[BeachBUD]

Thanks to everyone.

[Marco]

While Enlgish is extremely common in the center, don't believe for a seocnd its the 'first language' as someone posted above. Dutch is the primay language of the country, and while you will be fine without (as a tourist) it, its will help you immensely to be able to say hello, good-bye, thank you, and please.

[FerryLoki]

Ill go with you. Just mail me

[FlyByNite]

Welcome to the forum.

When you have firm dates for your adventure, get them to me.
I'll post you on the Whos In Town page. You can see who else
may be in town and any Toke & Talks that are planned.

First timers get my S G Collins recommendation
I think a read of this will maximize your efficiency once you get there.

How not to get hit by a bike and other stuff they forgot to tell you about Amsterdam.

As to convenience to a coffeeshop, Voyagers is also a hotel, and right across from Centraal Station.

Enjoy
FlyByNite - Travel preference, not business practice
Coffeeshop Menus - Let your Mouse do the walking

[Trad]

Hello BeachBUD and welcome to the forum.
As to the security issues...it's a big city...treat it as you normally would and you will be more than good.
Enjoy.
P.S. Hook-up with Gapie and you will be fine....

[2rollingstoned]

Several of us will be there the first week of next month - if you are in town then we will see ya at a talk and toke!