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Just wondering who's been alone before & how they found it?

The problem is my mate is worried about money now & his friends who were coming have decided they want to stall & go for someones birthday in late feb. Thats a bit of a pisser because i want to get over there asap, plus i def want to go over queensday...which is a little too close to late february in terms of getting more cash together.

So i think late february is out. Why do people always seem to say yes to things until its time to start booking, then drop out!! its a pain in the arse

Hey man, ive been on my own and had a right good time mate. Freedom to do what ya want when ya want. theres a lot to be said for it in'Dam. You always end up talking to some stoned person anyway so its not so bad . You just gotta make sure you know where you are thats all. Ive got an ACD Map imprinted on my brain and know exactly where i am ALL of the time. (more or less)

Axeman

I was there alone twice this summer and am about to make another solo trip again. It's no problem at all going there alone. If you're staying in a hostel it will be extremely easy to find like-minded people to hang around with as well...at least it was for me during the summer.

I'd love to come back with a couple buddies sometime, but the solo experience has definitely been worth it - no question.

And yeah all you need is a copy of the ACD map and you're set.

Well i feel a bit better about going it alone now. I imagine your right about finding people at the hostel to have a wander round with. And i could always check niteflys site and maybe catch up with someone for a few drinks & a smoke.

The people i know are unreliable as hell, ive been let down over loads of things. Guess it would be stupid to let other people spoil my fun though.

Im pretty happy about finding my way around the dam too now, so im not worried about getting lost or anything.

Thanks for the advice

Personally if I was travelling alone I would opt to stay in one of the hostels with a communal lounge/bar where you can meet people, from personal experience I can recommend the Bulldog Hotel, Flying Pig (bit dirty to be honest but great atmospere) and St Christophers.

Go for it!

I have done a solo trip five times. Get prepared by finding out what guidebooks are recommended, print maps, study the maps a bit so you at least have the lay of the land, and learn to use the tram system.

There is indeed a lot of freedom with this approach if you approach it properly.

For first timers, I like Rick Steves' guidebook. I have others that I now draw from, but the Rick Steves approach I found very useful for getting my feet wet. The main thing is to at least be aware of where you are, if not knowing your exact location in the scheme of things.

http://tinyurl.com/y7gev3

There is another book by Joe Pauker

http://tinyurl.com/y5ker5

I found it very entertaining and helpful. Between the Steves book, the Pauker book and the ACD forum and directory you should have no problem having the time of your life. Get as much information before you go. You'll have a better trip, in my experience.

thanks for all the suggestions i appreciate it

I was looking at a choice between the Pig, The Winston, & Stayokay vondel park, or the bulldog hostel wise. Gonna have to look into it more, i had been set on the pig but there are some other good options.

Its good to know you have all enjoyed trips over there on your own.

I've seen several very positive things about The Winston.

Wish I *was* going it alone,
chuck.

I stay at the Winston every time I go now and it's an excellent hostel. The dorm rooms each have their own ensuite bathroom/shower, so you're only sharing a bathroom with like 5-7 other people if you go with the cheapest option, which is only like 20euro/night. The private rooms are really pretty nice too, and not too expensive...harder to meet people though obviously. The beds are not the most comfortable, but it's a hostel. The breakfast is really simple too, but again, it's a hostel.

The best part by far is the bar though. It's smoker-friendly, huge with comfortable seats and a nice beer garden. The best part is it's not just a lame hostel bar either, it's pretty popular at night with people coming in for drinks and smokes. They also have nice drink specials and a bunch of plasma TVs, it's a brand new bar they just redid it.

Sorry if this sounds like an ad, but I've done a fair amount of hosteling, and St. Chris' is definitely one of my favorites in any city.

Hmmm i might be leaning towards the Winston with that endorsement

The locations pretty good too. I like Vondelpark a lot, but it is a bit of a trek to my favourite coffee shops so thats the downside of the Stayok, otherwise that looks a really nice place.

I just want to get there now...a break from weed can be nice now & again, but 2 months enforced break because you've lost your contacts is a pain in the arse.

I am this | <-> | close to booking a solo trip for myself now.
You lot should be salesmen

Kaiser Saucy wrote:Hmmm i might be leaning towards the Winston with that endorsement

The locations pretty good too. I like Vondelpark a lot, but it is a bit of a trek to my favourite coffee shops so thats the downside of the Stayok, otherwise that looks a really nice place.

I just want to get there now...a break from weed can be nice now & again, but 2 months enforced break because you've lost your contacts is a pain in the arse.

Yeah I feel the same way. I have been away from home since June and the only time I am able to smoke is when I can make it to Amsterdam. It's nice to take smoking breaks just to show you can do it and to sort of clean out your system, but I'm definitely looking forward to smoking as soon as possible (MONDAY!).

Yeah I guess I hadn't considered you might not want to stay in the Centrum though. It's pretty much the only area I've considered...I would like to check out the Vondel Park area too though. Warmoestraat is one of the better areas in my opinion - large amount coffeeshops nearby, close to the RLD for little late night strolls, and only about 5-10 minutes walking to places like spui, leidsplein, rembrandtsplein, train station, etc.

I visited vondelpark a couple of times when i was in the dam, really nice peacefull place to wander round puffing on a fat joint....especially while tripping Its a nice little time out from the hustle & bustle of the city.

I think i would prefer centrum though because, like i said its nearer to some of my favourite places like Floyd's.

If i want any bud before i get there im gonna have to trek over to see friends in a different city. Trust my idiot dealer to get sent down

Going solo is adventurous!! (for want of a better word)

I've been twice on my tod and had fun both times.
The first time I was travelling through and waiting for an early morning connection so I didnt bother with accomodation.
Dont for one minute assume you will find some sort of doorway/bench/park or summat to sleep in! I did and just ended up staying awake until my 4.45am connection.

The second time I was more prepared as Amsterdam was my only destination.

I know its hard at first but just try not to get paranoid and think you are an easy target and keep staring about, as if to look for danger! If anything you are not an easy target due to the fact you are more aware while travelling alone.
I wouldnt (didnt) use the Dam as my first solo trip though. Its better to go there clued up on what to expect when travelling alone.

Just the thought of it is getting me excited and I feel the need to just jump up and go.....but.....
I have a wife and young kids now..so I HAVE to tell the missus where/when Im going!

If you like your own company then you will love it Im sure. Like previously mentioned, there will always be a stoned face to talk to, you get to leave/enter a place only if YOU desire. Lots of people go solo in Dam and you would probably meet one!

And of course...no-one you know gets to see you whitey!!!!

Fergot to mention.... The Old Nickel is "cheap and cheerful" (end of Warmoestratt - central station end). Ive tried The Winston about 5 times b'cos its central and has a few facilities (small bar, pool, somewhere to sit) and I cant fault it.

Although one of my mates may disagree. We once stayed in the room with all the cases and he was forever cracking his head against one particular one by his bed!! It was funny at first but even i was cringing by the end of the trip. I wouldnt be surprised if he still has the scars!
He also said he was bitten in the bed..but he says that every time we go, wherever we go!....apparently a rat crawled over me in bed in The Hemp Hotel when we wuz there!! Yea right! Funny..I didnt notice!

Anyways...Im rambling in a kind of stoned way...I'll go now!