Well I have been five time in the last seven years and I still love it. Being an hoe lover the Red Light District was made for me. Anyway times were better before the euro now your dollar is worth about 75 cents or so. So anywhere you go in Europe will be a pain when you pull out some cash. Plan a budget of about $100 a day after your hotel cost and you'll be fine.

I think Amsterdam is a great city but after reading your research on Maastricht I may consider traveling there in the spring instead of the dam. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a red light district there as well. Anyway you go I love the country and the people. Truely the land of the free.

Loco