Good man, John O’Twisty !
Due to circumstances of an unexpected nature, the accommodation thing is kind of on hold. I suppose we have to set some kind of deadline so how about (completely arbitrarily) the Trash convening next Wednesday for a perusal of the short-list and final decision ?
I don’t think either Ireland or England have 6 Nations fixtures that weekend but a Grand Prix is on - is that right ?
YES!
[sub][sup]I’M COMING TO AMSTERDAM![/sup][/sub]
I’M COMING TO AMSTERDAM!
I’M COMING TO AMSTERDAM!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYY!!!
[sub][sup](Is that ok with you guys?)[/sup][/sub]
And London,
It is really sweet that you remember that. Your first post on this board was pretty amazing - very touching and quite moving. I’m looking forward to meeting the man behind those words. 
And everybody else, too!
I AM SO EXCITED!!!
Looking forward to it.
Right, time to get the e-mail list up and running.
Would everyone please mail me at my address below (click on the envelope!) and I will gewt a list back up and running.
We have to have accomidation planned. Its not like 12 or 13 people are going to crash on Coldy’s couch, now,is it?
Hey Twisty!
Coldy gave me a map with a section circled off that would be the best area to find hotels. I did some hunting around and came up with a whole bunch of relatively inexpensive hotels that are within that area. Perhaps Coldy can help us determine which are the nicest, or in the most optimal location and we can all stay at the same place? Here are the ones I came up with…
Mercure Hotel Amsterdam aan de Amstel
Perhaps someone has some other suggestions as well?
OH! Do I have to buy an adapter for my hair dryer? That is the most important thing to know, afterall. I mean, I am not going to Amsterdam and be seen with bad hair! 
So, who’s the hottie with the mike and what did she say ?
Ehm - Shayna, like in the Shayna ? And Amsterdam - the one in Holland, right ? The gods are indeed benevolent to the the Trash on this day, that’s all I have to say.
And Twisty is going to show up as well - what have we done to deserve this ? Hooboy - this is going to be seriously fun.
S. Norman
I know that this is way late…but give her some condoms & tell her their room number?
waits quietly to see if this is the right answer…
OK, take any of the following hotels. I’m talking about location here: as a resident, I know nothing about quality. YKMV!
Mercure Hotel Amsterdam aan de Amstel (This hotel is NOT in the town center, but it IS a five minute walk from Casa Coldie.)
The rest? Well, it’s up to what you consider a good price, I suppose. Maybe with enough people, you might even be able to get a group deal - I’m sure that argument would work at the Mercure hotel near me, they’re a large chain who offer group discounts, no doubt.
And I think it’s time for another Coldie Couch Rollcall!
So, who’s gonna sleep at my place? I know yojimbo is. Hybernicus and Spiny Norman were the other takers, right? I might be able to squeeze an extra Twisty in, but that’s about full capacity, shower- and couchwise.
Wake up, Euro Trash!
Whaddayasay?
Hmh? Did you say something ?
Coldie, it would be an honour to fight three Irishmen over the temporary use of your couch, if the offer is still open. Besides, being your guest, I’ll be honourbound not to nick your SDMB moderator coffee mug. One could of course argue that it’s unfair, as I presumably have lower transportation costs than most others, but anyone inclined to pursue that line of thinking is heartily invited to take a look at my latest repair bill.
That of course provides me with the advantage of not having to do battle over which hotel to choose, though the one near Casa Coldie sounds like a good idea. I seem to recall that the coordination in Dublin could have been better -and probably would have been too, if Casa Yoji & the Avalon hostel hadn’t been so distant.
S. Norman
Thanks for the links, folks. OK, I’ll start the debate………….
On a longer than brief but not entirely thorough perusal it struck me that the Nicolaas Witsen offers a combination of the best prices and flexible accommodation. For example:
· Single room with private shower / toilet, TV, radio, telephone and safe
· Room rate: NLG 125 (until 31 March 2001)
· Double room with private shower / toilet, TV, radio, telephone and safe
· Room rate: NLG 175 (until 31 March 2001)
It ain’t small potatoes but is probably the best unless we’re going to consider hostels or Bed and Breakfasts (can’t seem to find very many of those, Coldie. Amsterdam not big on B & B’s ?)
What do we think and how many are looking at accommodation in general (as Coldie mentions: think Group Discount) ?
And guys, it’s already started………….
Personally, I’m just so worried about what shoes to bring. I mean, is it Spring or Winter. What’s in vogue in Amsterdam…do you remeber those ones I bought on sale last week. The mid-tone grey with the nice heel…I’m thinking maybe those but also…
I hope the Ducati is doing OK, Spiny. FWIW, you can park it for free in A’dam. My sidewalk will do nicely, I suppose. And yes, couch #1 or #2 is yours!
LC: BnB’s are almost extinct anywhere outside the Commonwealth
Hotels in A’dam are not cheap, but I suppose two lads could share a double room, right? 80 Guilders per person per night isn’t bad for a hotel with those facilities.
And half March makes the weather Spring-ish, so you can wear those open toe shoes, LC. I’ll stick to the clogs, naturally.
Either the Mercure or the Nicolaas Witsen seem OK to me. What is it like getting to/from the airport and the city center from these hotels?
Oh, fierra, I see there is much I need to teach you. The correct answer is hop into their laps, snuggle them and then laugh as the barmaid walks away.
Don’t worry, we’ll set up some sort of system so that I can advise you girls from over here.
If you guys plan on arrival and departure times that are somewhat close together, I can pick you up with the car. I’m not gonna make 7 trips, though. But no worries: Amsterdam is really small compared to most foreign cities. There’s trains running from Schiphol to Amsterdam. Now, which direction you should take depends on the hotel. E.G., for the Mercure, and my place, you need to take a train to Amsterdam RAI, from which I could pick you up (3 minute drive from my place).
Should I not be able to pick you up, you can take trams, buses, and taxis from A’dam RAI. Other possible stations include Zuid WTC and Amstel, and maybe Duivendrecht.
But let’s not get into too much detail here - the bottom line is: it’s all good
Well, Coldy, I think I’ll take you up on your offer of a place to crash. But I’m still setting up the accomodation list for everyone.
BTW, the hotel looks a good distance from the Red light district…
Woo Hoo!!! Ok, you guys don’t know how excited I am. Spiny dontcha know I want my hair to look good for you?!! swoon I’d offer to share one of those double rooms with you at the Nicolaas Witsen, but you’d rather sleep with the Clogboy. Nevermind me, my feelings aren’t hurt.
As for my arrival, I am coming in on KLM flight 602 at 11:45AM on Friday the 16th. You’re picking me up, right, Coldy? Will anyone else be there then, or will I be the first arrival?
Well Shit! I’m so excited I can’t read! That was London_Calling teasing me about my hair. You have my permission to spank me when you see me. Hehe And I’d share a room with you, too, but it seems the boys all want to bunk together. That’s fine. I’ll sleep with a girl. I just won’t share the juicy details with you, that’s all.
I’m a half hour in front of Shayna, BA flight 8113 arriving 11:15 on Friday
Time for an update. (I think) the current ships complement comprises:
Definite:
Coldfire
Hibernicus
Yojimbo
Spiny Norman
tatertot
London Calling
Sassy
Fierra
Diane
Kferr
Mattk
Shayna
TwistofFate
Almost Definite (need confirmation):
Botanica
Boomfly
Skinny Guy
Maybe:
Born Dodgy
The Thill
Changes to the crew are:
Damhna has sadly and unfortunately walked the plank (circumstances beyond control). Shame you won’t be there, Paul.
Kferr is coming to beef up the UK contingent. Always good to have a cycling geek onboard !
Mattk is also onboard but we can’t be what time he will be ready for duty as he’s got business things to deal with. Hate that real world stuff.
Shayna is coming Hurrah ! This doesn’t appear to absolutely depend on hairdryer compatibility but as a girl can never be sure what pirates may tickle her fancy, it is clearly important. Our host will presumably not know a great deal about hair styling so perhaps that’s a question for Taters.
And Twist of Fate has twisted his Mums arm and will be twisting the night away on top deck. Glad to have you rise from cabin boy, Twisty, things were getting a little scary down below.
This update takes no account of developments in Deutschland – although if we can uber alles the bird up a little, who knows ?
List two concerns those seeking accommodation and is a bit of a stab in the dark. From what I can discern (and to try to be inclusive), I think the following are looking to cuddle up in similar surroundings:
Hibernicus
tatertot
London Calling
Fierra
Kferr
Mattk
Shayna
Not sure about the arrangements of:
Sassy
Diane
Staying is Casa Coldie :
Coldfire
Yojimbo
Spiny Norman
TwistofFate
I see form the mail that Twisty has just taken the reins apropos where and who (in terms of accommodation) so this list (above) can be amended as and when appropriate. Phew……Taters, where are you, this is hard bloody work !!
I think that’s the lot.
Ermmm, there is also not so much a list as a few discreet crew-members conspiring in a good cause. No names, no level of input, total confidentiality, nothing definite yet. If you want to know a little more, feel free to enquire.
This is your London correspondent jolly well signing orf.