What Does Amsterdam Need ????

[serck]

I'v just returned from Amsterdam and overheard a local planning a new venture allowing travellers to leave luggage, shower and buy any last minute bits and pieces before departing the city. It struck me as a great idea especially for those with late flights home.

It started me thinking what other amenities could be useful in Amsterdam that are not already in place.

It would be good to hear everyone's thoughts.

[Rob_OG]

I'v just returned from Amsterdam and overheard a local planning a new venture allowing travellers to leave luggage, shower and buy any last minute bits and pieces before departing the city. It struck me as a great idea especially for those with late flights home.

It started me thinking what other amenities could be useful in Amsterdam that are not already in place.

It would be good to hear everyone's thoughts.

A proper shop that deals with mushroom/sclerotia cultivation. The few that know what they are doing will still try to sell kits to anyone who wants to grow. Actually that "few" is two shops IME.

It's easier to buy supplies for shrooms from weed-grower shops.

Examples:
Most "mushroom supplies" lists (all from one wholesaler) have vermiculite for €4 for 1 litre.
100 litres is available for around €16 from growshops for weed.
Empty syringe with size 16 needle (much too thick for a junkie's arm) - €1.50
From Apotheke - 25 cents or so (but they have to get the pharmacist to come and eyeball you in person when you say "needle".)

So a proper shop - pressure cookers/canners, rye grain, brown rice flour (don't get me started on hunting that shit down in NL), autoclaveable bags.
Then pre-sterilised bags of grain and rice. Spore prints syringes and live cultures.

And even kits - there are some new ones out that are "ready in 3 days" - ie the sclerotia ("truffles") are fully grown, they just remain growing in substrate in the shop and don't dry out - like those herbs in pots in supermarkets.

More pissoirs. Fewer bong shops.

[Waldo Swan]

I've just returned from Amsterdam and overheard a local planning a new venture allowing travellers to leave luggage, shower and buy any last minute bits and pieces before departing the city. It struck me as a great idea especially for those with late flights home.

I have actually found myself wishing there were services like this and I'm sure I'm not the only one, especially for luggage. For people like me coming over from across the Atlantic for multi-month stays and travels around the continent this would be great. I'm planning on doing some day trips and overnight trips as well as some border hopping over into Germany for two or three days at a time and not having to carry all of my shit around with me all the time while traveling would be great as long as the storage fees aren't too exorbitant.

[FW Spencer]

Can't you leave luggage at the train station?

[Rob_OG]

Yes, there are lockers

http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/about-yo ... he-station

And someone relating their experience from last year

http://megrobb.typepad.com/britishtrave ... erdam.html

[matty223]

ME

[redeyezman]

ME

Great minds

[Uncle Ron]

I'v just returned from Amsterdam and overheard a local planning a new venture allowing travellers to leave luggage, shower and buy any last minute bits and pieces before departing the city. It struck me as a great idea especially for those with late flights home.

It started me thinking what other amenities could be useful in Amsterdam that are not already in place.

It would be good to hear everyone's thoughts.

First, a coin flip opinion with regards to the "overheard local"...
On the one side, the venture sounds interesting, one that could have merit.
On the other side, I'm not sure there would be sufficient business to keep the doors open. One word - overhead.
The cost would most likely be prohibitive for backpackers, the well heeled won't bother, and the majority of international flights depart within 5 hours of average check-out.
I think this type of establishment would quickly become a hang out for derelicts, sort of like what the YMCA was like in NYC back in the 60's and 70's.
I'd suggest before making sleeping arrangements, inquire as to the policy on late check-out, baggage storage, etc... If the establishment doesn't offer, seek accommodations elsewhere. A little effort with planning in the beginning goes a long way, especially in Amsterdam. A few members know of what I speak...
Moving on...

Something I would like to see is a 24 hour tram schedule... one tram per line after midnight. I hate buses...
Lastly, Amsterdam is in dire need of an after hours nightlife. From 1am, private parties (got to know somebody), or wander the streets doing absolutely nothing except looking at others doing and thinking the same, absolutely nothing.

What does Amsterdam need? Not much really... perhaps visitors with positive attitudes.
...

[elasticband]

A vacuum seal station, selling envelopes and stamps also.

[Von Goat Weed]

I've just returned from Amsterdam and overheard a local planning a new venture allowing travellers to leave luggage, shower and buy any last minute bits and pieces before departing the city. It struck me as a great idea especially for those with late flights home.

I have actually found myself wishing there were services like this and I'm sure I'm not the only one, especially for luggage. For people like me coming over from across the Atlantic for multi-month stays and travels around the continent this would be great. I'm planning on doing some day trips and overnight trips as well as some border hopping over into Germany for two or three days at a time and not having to carry all of my shit around with me all the time while traveling would be great as long as the storage fees aren't too exorbitant.

They have Lockers at airport where you rent per day week and months!!
Ive heard of shower at airport but never saw them!!
I know they have hourly hotels room/boxes to sleep!!

[treetop]

A vacuum seal station, selling envelopes and stamps also.

A stacker. 2000AD fans would know what I mean.

[USbongLord]

80 degree days in the winter

[Skyrat]

i second a call for nightlife after 1am.....

it does exist, surely, but where....?

[cgarr04]

i second a call for nightlife after 1am.....

it does exist, surely, but where....?

Rembrandtplein, Leidseplien...there are many bars open until 4-5am.

There is also many club nights that run until early morning. I'm going to a party in Westerunie this friday and it finishes at 7am.

[monster420]

coffeeshops