Quote Originally Posted by hero3279
I seriously do NOT want to hype it up because when you hype things up, sometimes your left expecting too much? But it really is all that. Just think to yourself it's gonna be crap and i'm not expecting much, so when you go there you'll think wow!

aaaaah man, the smell, the aroma, the people......

SOME people say there is more to Amsterdam than the RLD and the Weed but for a tourist, WHY would you POSSIBLY want anything else??

lol on a serious note....it's beautiful. You have to check it out for yourself. Amazing experience, one I will never forget. It's the highest place on earth. Fact.

I was so excited before I went, so was on nearly every Amsterdam site. Once you go to a place like that, it really DOES open your eyes. The dutch people really know how to live and props to the politicians. The whole world needs to take a look at them for inspiration, I'm being serious. People toking spliffs wherever you go, it's like a social thing. A very mature looking older woman, looked about 35...handing over some money and buying a big bag of weed. She looked very professional and had typical housewife/mother sort of look. I just thought wow. Talk about stereotyping.

You'll have the odd crack dealers coming and approaching you, but that's about it. Even that, it's at night and if you go around the RLD. It's no more frightening that if you went ANYWHERE in the world at night. No place is 'SAFE' if you think about it??

If you are with someone, or in a group, then you should be OK. Can be scary if you went alone but in general, it's very very safe. Just ask any Amsterdam resident. The people are very warm and welcoming.

You have to go there to truly understand it. I couldn't possibly explain in words....I could go on and on....you will love it my friend!
That was a beautiful post. I love Amsterdam so much I seriously am moving there, probably next year sometime. If you want to appreciate the true meaning of liberty and freedom, then by all means, go to Amsterdam and do such. For you see, there is justice in this society. People are treated as rational beings, as they should be, to be able to decide and have choice. Without fear of oppression and tyranny. I reccomend going to a coffee shop called 'De Kroon' It's near dam square. Check out Ummagumma defiantely and buy some 'Mothers Finest' It's a safe place, just ignore everyone who tries to sell you coke on the street, everyone. There will be a lot of these people, just ignore them and you'll be fine. I remember smoking a fat spliff on a bench by a river and an old lady was behind me with a camera, everything was kool, i never saw the police when blazing in alleys or anywhere. Might as well use the coffee shops while you can tho. The menus are expansive. Have fun.