On my own. Afetr wife passed away

[craig bell]

I'm going back out to the Dam for the 1st time since my wife died. We met in 2003, Married on the 31st Oct 2008 And went on our honeymoon for a week to Amsterdam. We then made a Further 7 trips between then and september 2011. Saadly my wife passed away on the 11th december 2012. We always said that if one of us died then we were to take the ashes of them and scatter them in vondel park. As we picniced there anytime we were there in good weather. iWe had a tree near the water we always sat at. So im going to have to do it. It was a promise. Only thing is i worry i may never return after that as i always went there with her and it may be too hard to be alone over there. So im going out on the 2nd May2012 for 4/5 days. And i need some help from users to give me ideas on things to do to keep my off scattering the ashes once ive done it. I want to have a good time but im worried about being theere alone never been myself.How can i get to meet peple while there any ideas. And would love to find out stuff to do as we never done much while there just c/s. Ok on our honeymoon we done the museums. anne frank and the Zoo. but im looking for other things to do bar museums. Ill see the anne frank house again though loved that so i did. Whats the best strains at the moment. Has homeGrown fantasy still got the lovely CHEESE. And basjoes terminator and bas specials is always a fav. Anyway people im sure ill get a few ideas from all them members here ACD. Keep Smoking!!!

[Colina]

at first my condolences
you asked how to meet people, just make T&Ts and post here in this (travel plans) section.
you will be posted by FBN (email to CoffeeshopMenus(at)gmail(dot)com) on his page www(dot)coffeeshopmenus(dot)org/

I hope Amsterdam has good memories for you, and you will return someday.

[FriendlyEdgar]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

http://www.coffeeshopmenus.org/0-WhosIn ... 205May.htm
There's a good crew of ACD'ers that will be in town at that time. I'm sure they will help keep your mind occupied, and be able to provide you with all the recommendations you need about the best strains at that time! Stay strong.

[nel z bub]

Craig,
Sorry for your loss.
I've always found The Nes Cafe to be very welcoming to strangers. There are plenty of tourists and amsterdam locals from all over the world and good conversation is always easy to come by.
Hope you have a nice trip and come by Utopia to say hi if you fancy.

[Nimrod]

Condolences, man.

I too, honeymooned in the Dam.

As previously suggested, attend whatever t&ts are posted, and post some of your own. Anymore, I travel solo to the Dam these days, and meeting people is easier when alone. Be bold and gregarious.

You'll be fine, because a part of her will always be with you and watching out for you.

[A Leprechaun]

Condolences to you Craig,I know it will be a hard time for you,but the Planetarium might be a good choice to visit.Likewise the Botanical gardens,some decent markets as well,but I would also take up FriendlyEdgar's advice as well.Maybe taking a trip to Haarlem or somewhere nearby so there would be less personal memories.Love and peace

[Weed-o]

Condolences, craig.
With all due respect, my suggestion is to take a friend with you, I mean one you already know.
Don't get me wrong, it's great meeting new people in Amsterdam, but your duty is pretty hard and in a situation like this I think you need all the support that only a close friend can give you.
Peace

[Lamont]

My heart breaks for you. I would also second the idea of bringing a trusted friend along to provide some support during what will no doubt be a very emotional time for you...

[abc123]

With all due respect, my suggestion is to take a friend with you, I mean one you already know.

That's an excellent idea.

I can't begin to imagine how you feel. A couple of months ago I was in 'Dam with my GF and she had to get an earlier flight back home (she lives in a different country) so I had about 4-5 hours by myself to spare, and went back to Centraal from the airport. It wasnt very fun as we had just spent time there together so all I had were memories of us, and I definately wished I had a friend there at the time!

[Dave J]

I feel for you to man. But please make sure you can take the ashes with you before doing anything else as there may be some stupid regulations preventing this with your chosen airline.

As suggested try and see if you can get a friend or relative to go with you as it would be a shame to have to make that trip with the ashes yourself.

[chillers2]

Hi Craig

i couldnt read and run so i offer my deepest condolences to you, its a hard thing to do, and yes please do check you can take it onboard???

sending hugs

if ever you want a private chat please feel free to pm me... , i'm a good listener.

[Roccy Tittzenbeer]

Sorry for your loss Craig and I hope things will get better for you as time passes.
A few years back a friend of ours died and wished to have his ashes scattered in Amsterdam, which we duly did. As mentioned earlier it is important to get permission from the airline you use or other transport company to get approval to carry the ashes onboard.
There was no problem with Jet2 or KLM but we did this at a time before the current terrorism frenzy kicked off and security and restrictions were increased. PLEASE Do check first as this will be a very emotional time for you and to be stopped at the airport would be very tough and upsetting.
All the best and keep yourself busy
RTnB

[spidergawd]

My condolences to you and your family Craig. I hope all goes as you wish.

[ed the head]

Sincere condolences and may you find peace. I am very sorry for your loss.

I agree it might be good to bring a close friend along if you can find one. If you can't, maybe
a bed in a nice hostel. I know the Bulldog has a highly social vibe, easy to make Amster-buddies
and I have read of others. Just a thought.

I think it is a beautiful gesture you perform in taking your beloved ashes to a favorite
spot in Vondel, thanks for sharing and best of fortunes to you always.

[cattales1960]

MY sincere condolences. If I lost my spouse I would head over to amsterdam also. Do check about regulations on bringing the ashes. SOme places or funny about scattering ashes but all you have to do is get thru the airports. I would tell them that you are just taking her with you (not to scatter) because she has always gone with you there. They maybe sympathetic. Again I am so sorry. Losing a spouse that you were close to is sad.