Amsterdam Etiquette - Please Help

[spccowboy1]

I was a lucky enough yank to get 4 to the 3.10.07 show. I am traveling from Chicago with 3 of my friends and none of us have been to Europe. I have enough D+T shows to know to keep my mouth shut during the show, but I want to make sure to respect the culture. I have been reading enough of the "official" thread about the show, but I want to hear some general etiquette so I don't disrespect anyone or make an ass out of myself.

If anyone has any tips in general for the trip or more specific to the show, it would be appreciated. I am also sure I am not the only one here with a few questions, so you will be helping others as well.

The only thing I know for sure that bringing Roonie Woo to the show present a problem. "Cubs Woo, Dave Woo, Cubs Woo, Spacecake Woo, Cubs Woo Escorts Woo!"

[meggieprice]

What the heck is Roonie Woo????

We are making the rounds of the UK shows ourselves- congrats on your trip. I wish they would give everyone a leaflet at all the D&T and Dave shows telling them to keep their mouths shut- and it doesn't have to be in EUrope for that to be the case. Some of my friends at the SB shows had their evenings all but ruined by drunk peeps who loved the sound of their own voices.

No, honey, he isn't going to play Halloween just because you disrespect him and us all so much you feel the need to scream for it....

All I know is I will be seeing Ireland and Scotland for the first time, reacquainting myself with the England that was a home for me for two years, and seeing Dave. I so look forward to meeting the British, Irish, and Scottish fans!

[Crumbo]

The only thing I know for sure that bringing Roonie Woo to the show present a problem. "Cubs Woo, Dave Woo, Cubs Woo, Spacecake Woo, Cubs Woo Escorts Woo!"

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

[spccowboy1]

Plain and simple, he's a master in the city of Chicago. Let me break it down real quick...

1. Ditka
2. Jordan
3. Woo

For more information check out http://www.ronniewoowoo.com/ and make sure you have your speakers on.

Soriano for NL MVP '07

[esther]

dutch show etiquette?

it's not really any different from american etiquette.

1. don't get/show up stupid drunk or stoned out of your mind
2. don't yell at the top of your lungs (cheering is fine, of course)
3. don't 'woooooooo' whenever dave mentions smoking, bowls or any other reference to weed (that's my personal pet peeve)
4. if you want to smoke (weed), ask the people around you if they mind. if they do, move to the back end of the room (yes, you'll lose your spot)
5. oh, one other: if the people in front of you are really tall (because we are generally taller), and you aks them nicely, they will be likely to consider your view
6. oh, and one more: if any dutch people are rude just because you're american, just ignore them and i apologize in advance.

[potitia]

amsterdam
*watch out for trolleycars, bicycles and cars - crossing streets can be tough sober and think about how often you'll be sober
*yeah, you can smoke where you want, but you pretty much want to keep it on the DL in public
*harder drugs aren't hard to find, but not off the streets
*the red light district is neato, but sketchy late night
*if you go out of your way to find one place, go to The Grey Area - it's small, but one of the few places that has really nice glass bongs
*stay at The Flying Pig Downtown (www.flyingpig.nl) - if you stay in a 28 person doorm room you'll meet the most people but not much privacy

**have the most fun in the world - it's an awesome awesome city **

[Lorentzen]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

So Crumbo, are you going to tape the shows?

I don't know of any Europeans who are tapers, or if it is even possible to tape these upcoming shows

[rconverse]

Chant USA whereever you go and disrespect every local custom.

[efraser77]

No, honey, he isn't going to play Halloween just because you disrespect him and us all so much you feel the need to scream for it....

I dunno, someone yelled HALLOWEEN right before he broke into on Luther. ;)

So Crumbo, are you going to tape the shows?

I don't know of any Europeans who are tapers, or if it is even possible to tape these upcoming shows

Now THAT is a very good question. If I were a millionaire, I'd pay to send Crumbo on the whole tour.

[spccowboy1]

amsterdam
*watch out for trolleycars, bicycles and cars - crossing streets can be tough sober and think about how often you'll be sober
*yeah, you can smoke where you want, but you pretty much want to keep it on the DL in public
*harder drugs aren't hard to find, but not off the streets
*the red light district is neato, but sketchy late night
*if you go out of your way to find one place, go to The Grey Area - it's small, but one of the few places that has really nice glass bongs
*stay at The Flying Pig Downtown (www.flyingpig.nl) - if you stay in a 28 person doorm room you'll meet the most people but not much privacy

**have the most fun in the world - it's an awesome awesome city **

Well, I wouldn't want this to come off the wrong way but maybe a little more detail about the "hard drugs". I figure to not buy anything off a street dealer, do you just casually ask in a coffee shop?

[potitia]

Well, I wouldn't want this to come off the wrong way but maybe a little more detail about the "hard drugs". I figure to not buy anything off a street dealer, do you just casually ask in a coffee shop?

here's what I can tell you - there are "hard drug" stores - they sell mushrooms in varying degrees of strength (mild, medium, etc) - I got the Hawaiians medium and they were excellent - you can get them in mushroom form or in "tea" form, meaning it's just dust and you can mix it in with hot water and make yourself some tea.... coffee shops aren't really that cool with hard drugs at all, so def be on the DL with that stuff..... spacecakes and other food items and things like that can be found at the hard drug stores as well

something like E, your best bet is in a hostel or bar (not a coffee shop) - either find a local, or someone who looks like they're on something good... I've been to the 'Dam three times and never had trouble finding it

[Crumbo]

So Crumbo, are you going to tape the shows?

I don't know of any Europeans who are tapers, or if it is even possible to tape these upcoming shows


doubtful that I'll even be at any of these show

[lmaciolek]

dutch show etiquette?

it's not really any different from american etiquette.

1. don't get/show up stupid drunk or stoned out of your mind
2. don't yell at the top of your lungs (cheering is fine, of course)
3. don't 'woooooooo' whenever dave mentions smoking, bowls or any other reference to weed (that's my personal pet peeve)
4. if you want to smoke (weed), ask the people around you if they mind. if they do, move to the back end of the room (yes, you'll lose your spot)
5. oh, one other: if the people in front of you are really tall (because we are generally taller), and you aks them nicely, they will be likely to consider your view
6. oh, and one more: if any dutch people are rude just because you're american, just ignore them and i apologize in advance.

Wow, that is new.

Europe thing or what?

You need to leave the pot smokers alone, they are the least of your worries.

[esther]

Wow, that is new.

Europe thing or what?

You need to leave the pot smokers alone, they are the least of your worries.


people like to be considered. i don't think that's a 'european' thing :)

[bowa_kw]

#1 thing - watch out for bicyclists. They're crazy!

[potitia]

#1 thing - watch out for bicyclists. They're crazy!

I almost died the first time I went - I can't stress enough to be careful if you plan on being fvcked up during the day

[lmaciolek]

people like to be considered. i don't think that's a 'european' thing :)


Yeah, and the potsmokers are people too.

Its not like we blow the smoke in your face, I have almost never seen that happen.

[esther]

Yeah, and the potsmokers are people too.

Its not like we blow the smoke in your face, I have almost never seen that happen.


whatever. i'm not here to start a debate with you whether potsmokers should consider others or not.

someone asked a question on how to behave when in amsterdam, i answered. especially when you live in amsterdam, where tourists seem to think the city is a free ticket to forget yourself and certainly your environment, you will appreciate it when you're at a small venue like paradiso, that said tourists have the courtesy to at least ask if their smoke is bothering you.

dutch people generally like to smoke weed either in a coffeeshop, at home or somewhere outside.

deal.

[tresch]

yea what are you guys thinking? see this is actually how europe (unfortunately not always) works. instead of restricting the freedom of people (look at the US laws for alcohol, weed etc.), the people actually consider each other.

if you get drunk or if you get high, do it in style.
this is what most americans have yet to learn, imo

[Ascf33]

Chant USA whereever you go and disrespect every local custom.

:lol

[mconsler]

March 10th can not get here soon enough.
My fellow pot smokers the show will be the best ever.
Where is the after show party?

[esther]

yea what are you guys thinking? see this is actually how europe (unfortunately not always) works. instead of restricting the freedom of people (look at the US laws for alcohol, weed etc.), the people actually consider each other.

if you get drunk or if you get high, do it in style.
this is what most americans have yet to learn, imo

i bet you have never been to america. americans in general are the most considerate, polite and friendly people you'll ever meet.

this is all much ado about nothing anyways. just enjoy the show, and if you want to get a buzz while doing so, fine. just respect the fact that *i* (and the rest of the crowd) would like to enjoy the show too, and we'll all get along.

[tresch]

i bet you have never been to america. americans in general are the most considerate, polite and friendly people you'll ever meet.

this is all much ado about nothing anyways. just enjoy the show, and if you want to get a buzz while doing so, fine. just respect the fact that *i* (and the rest of the crowd) would like to enjoy the show too, and we'll all get along.

we agree in the last point. im not alking about americans in general and trust me ive been to the US many times and for over two years collectively. im talkin about the typical US college student that visits europe, especially those under 21

[potitia]

americans in general are the most considerate, polite and friendly people you'll ever meet.

you're insane or heavily biased if you really truly think this is true, because it's SO far from the actual truth

[beaufordrummer]

Just a question about safety in general... Is mugging or "pick pocketing" common in Amsterdam, and do these people typically target Americans(cause I'm sure we are very easy to pick out)? If so, what are some precautions??? Thanks

[davehead86]

you're insane or heavily biased if you really truly think this is true, because it's SO far from the actual truth
:thumbsup

i bet you have never been to america. americans in general are the most considerate, polite and friendly people you'll ever meet.


Unfortunatly the majority of the American public are dumb fucktards who couldnt handle their liquor or their pot if they tried. Its disgusting and annoing, no matter where you are in any sort of line its all about 'me', just like the American culture in general. And its not just college students, its the public in general.

Im very lucky to be around great people, but Your an idiot if you think that Americans are polite.

[bpf3535]

you hit the nail on the head my friend good work

Unfortunatly the majority of the American public are dumb fucktards who couldnt handle their liquor or their pot if they tried. Its disgusting and annoing, no matter where you are in any sort of line its all about 'me', just like the American culture in general. And its not just college students, its the public in general.

Im very lucky to be around great people, but Your an idiot if you think that Americans are polite.[/QUOTE]

[kbail1230]

Well, I have been to Amsterdam twice and I have this to offer. They are very calm, collected people. There aren't many obnoxious people being loud on the streets. It's a quiet culture it seems. They don't speak English as their first language, but are more than happy to converse with you in English if you approach them polietly, and respectful of their culture. I roamed all over the city, including the Red Light District and found it to be perfectly safe. You will however get offered coke or heroin on more than one occasion. Just be cool and try not to stick out. Talking to them is the best way to learn of their culture. One Bartender there, (weed bartender) told me that their city isn't allowed to have MTV broadcasted there because the rest of the Continent looks down on them for the things they knowingly allow to go on within their territory. Have a great time at the show, and enjoy one of the coolest cities on Earth!

[kbail1230]

Just a question about safety in general... Is mugging or "pick pocketing" common in Amsterdam, and do these people typically target Americans(cause I'm sure we are very easy to pick out)? If so, what are some precautions??? Thanks
Americans tend to have very bright, colorful, fancy clothing. People there wear very drab colors and plain clothes. Wear some of your darker, less bright colors if you dont want to be immediately targeted as a tourist. Also, I wore a travel pack with my money and passport around my neck. I hope that helps.

[esther]

Your an idiot

:thumbsup

[esther]

you're insane or heavily biased if you really truly think this is true, because it's SO far from the actual truth

okay.

compared to the arrogance, rudeness and and uncanning lack of a sense of humor that most europeans (minus UK) seem to cherish, i truly feel that most americans are at least a lot more friendly and polite.

but i'm insane for thinking so, that must be it.

seriously.

[esther]

Just a question about safety in general... Is mugging or "pick pocketing" common in Amsterdam, and do these people typically target Americans(cause I'm sure we are very easy to pick out)? If so, what are some precautions??? Thanks

it's very common and i think most tourists will stand out anyway, no matter what 'precautions' you'd take not to. if you make sure your wallet etc. are just hard to reach, you'll be fine.

[chr35919]

watch out for the gypsies who work in teams...one will distract you trying to sell you something small while another walks behind you and brushes up against your back as they steal your wallet...

i even saw two get into a fake fist fight to distract these people.

[mconsler]

I think everyone needs to just relax we are all going to Amsterdam to see Dave we should all just chill and have a good time. We may stick out as tourist but who cares...

We are going half way around the world for an awesome show that’s all that matters.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry. And try not to get mugged…..:D


Mike

[TwoStepJeff]

Eat, Drink and Be Merry. And try not to get mugged…..:D


Mike[/quote]

Spot on right there! I am making the trek from Seattle to see him in Amsterdam and Berlin... Havent been trolling too much, how many ants are heading to Amsterdam?

[eirikra]

I am!

[TwoStepJeff]

Alright! should be an incredible weekend with ants marching all over Amsterdam:p

Anyone have info on the venue... My mom went there in the 70s and said it was a really cool venue... have heard the capacity is 1200 or less... anyone been there or know??

[eirikra]

Alright! should be an incredible weekend with ants marching all over Amsterdam:p

Anyone have info on the venue... My mom went there in the 70s and said it was a really cool venue... have heard the capacity is 1200 or less... anyone been there or know??

Paradiso is a legendary venue. "Rock temple". It used to be a church, but rebuilt to a concert-scene.

never been there though, but people say it's fantastic :)

[TwoStepJeff]

Anyone interested in meeting up before the show? I know this is months in advance, but just thought I would throw the idea out there... i am certainly not against meeting up at a pub for a pint or 5 before we go stand in line

let the dreams of a fantastic weekend begin!

[samuraiwriter]

I was at paradiso on Nov. 22 for the Roots show. The venue is a real treat. You will not be disappointed. There is a not so large floor area in front of the stage and some balcony type areas above. My wife and I sat up in the balcony to enjoy a spliff or two in the relaxed enviroment of the seated area of the balcony. There was no problem with the spliff or the view of the stage. Get in early and have a seat. Questlove threw his drum stick and it hit us and then fell below. (our reaction times were slowed.) That is how close the balconies are to the stage.

See you all at Grey Area before the show.

Scott:eek

[TwoStepJeff]

Yeah I couldnt imagine a venue seating 1200 or so would be ginormous. But it is good to hear that there isnt a bad seat in the house. Thank god my best friend is warehouse so we may have a chance at the floor yet!

as for the grey area... Count me in wouldnt be Dave without a little influence:angel

[bemused]

okay.

compared to the arrogance, rudeness and and uncanning lack of a sense of humor that most europeans (minus UK) seem to cherish, i truly feel that most americans are at least a lot more friendly and polite.

but i'm insane for thinking so, that must be it.

seriously.

I'm american and of course agree with you as well as the others. There is good and bad everywhere. I drink and smoke lots of weed and I feel that I do respect others around me. People should get to enjoy the show without someone else bugging them. I agree with the yelling, I can't stand that when people want to chit chat during a show. If you want to hold a conversation do it near the beer line or else where.

[TwoStepJeff]

I'm american and of course agree with you as well as the others. There is good and bad everywhere. I drink and smoke lots of weed and I feel that I do respect others around me. People should get to enjoy the show without someone else bugging them. I agree with the yelling, I can't stand that when people want to chit chat during a show. If you want to hold a conversation do it near the beer line or else where.

I couldnt agree more with you. I also think that there is a fine here too. I mean I can only speak for the full band shows, but I am dancing singing machine. His solo are much more intimate so it is easy to hear people who truely are disrespectful.

Wont here anything but singing and post song woos out of this guy :angel

[bemused]

I couldnt agree more with you. I also think that there is a fine here too. I mean I can only speak for the full band shows, but I am dancing singing machine. His solo are much more intimate so it is easy to hear people who truely are disrespectful.

Wont here anything but singing and post song woos :angel

:thumbsup me either

[jrh83]

They like to smoke pot there

[FACHEBLOOTZ]

I just got back from my 3rd time there over the summer. Here's some do and don'ts

1. you CAN smoke in public, just try not to do it around big crowds of folks around the center of town (during the day). There's some places you can't smoke like Centraal Station, the muesums and some other sections of town, that you probably won't go to. Got that little bit of info from the guys down at Rookies. By the way go to Rookies and get their "skuff"

2. they sell shrooms, but they are no longer dry. I did however manage to get some dried mexicans from the mushroom gallery, but the fresh ones were way better. Mix the mexicans and columbians and buckle up. They hit me like 15 minutes after eating them.

3. Don't take pictures in the red light district. You will get fucked with

4. pickpocketing does happen there, but if you don't have money hanging out your pocket the whole time, you'll be fine. I never had a problem when I was there. The guys asking for some euros or selling drugs aren't too pushy. A simple no thanks will do.

5. Don't take taxis anywhere. I was staying a few blocks south of the Albert Cuyp market and we walked everywhere (like from Dam to Centraal) everyday. Plus you get to see how beautiful the city is by walking. Amsterdam isn't that big of a city, once you figure it out. You can also take the train/trollys sometimes without paying. I tried everytime to pay the conductor but he just took off everytime, so I just sat down.

6. Don't by an entire pizza or two from NY pizza. It was 65 euros for both, making it the most expensive pizza I have ever had.

If anyone has any questions, I will be glad to answer them. I know if you are an american and have never been before, its a little sketchy. PM me if you need help.

[ADAMG]

I would also check out "The Bulldog" hostel, in Amsterdam. Very modern for a Euro hostel, great bar, leathers sofas, and walking distance from the Red Lights. Make time to see the Heineken Experience and the Van Gogh Museum...

Remember the locals will know you are an American as soon ask you speak a word. Watch for pick pocketers, beggers, and all those bicycles (cyclists have the right of way, Amsterdam).

Many of the Dutch do not use, and if you do outside your hostel or coffee shop I would keep it on the DL like at most DMB shows...

Have a great time!

[mconsler]

Anyone interested in meeting up before the show? I know this is months in advance, but just thought I would throw the idea out there... i am certainly not against meeting up at a pub for a pint or 5 before we go stand in line

let the dreams of a fantastic weekend begin!

I'd would definetly be down with meeting up before the show for a pint or 5. Just let me know where/when. I will be arriving in Amsterdam on Thursday and just going to be hitting the cofffee shops for a few days before the show; just enjoying the city and all it has to offer.

Mike

[mconsler]

I would also check out "The Bulldog" hostel, in Amsterdam. Very modern for a Euro hostel, great bar, leathers sofas, and walking distance from the Red Lights. Make time to see the Heineken Experience and the Van Gogh Museum...

Remember the locals will know you are an American as soon ask you speak a word. Watch for pick pocketers, beggers, and all those bicycles (cyclists have the right of way, Amsterdam).

Many of the Dutch do not use, and if you do outside your hostel or coffee shop I would keep it on the DL like at most DMB shows...

Have a great time!

I plan on booking at Bulldog soon, I heard many good things about the place.

Mike

[TwoStepJeff]

Sounds like the Bulldog is the place to be in Amsterdam! I believe that is where my friends and I will be staying. We arrive friday afternoon. I'm up for a few pints friday and sat

[mconsler]

Sounds like the Bulldog is the place to be in Amsterdam! I believe that is where my friends and I will be staying. We arrive friday afternoon. I'm up for a few pints friday and sat

Cool, we will be getting in on Thursday morning.

Does anyone know if our Cell phones will work there? I am getting conflicting stories some say yes some say no. Anyoe have experinece with it?

Still trying to talk my brother into coming with us so there may be three of us not sure yet.

[esther]

Cool, we will be getting in on Thursday morning.

Does anyone know if our Cell phones will work there? I am getting conflicting stories some say yes some say no. Anyoe have experinece with it?

that depends on your cell of course, but most likely no. a triple band would work though.

[FACHEBLOOTZ]

Get a satellite phone from verizon if that is who you have. They're not expensive and if you go with a group, you can all split the bill. If not, you have to buy a phone card because the phones don't take change. Get the card before you leave the US. Make sure you can use it over seas.

[mconsler]

A freind told me all you have to do is call your cell company and have international roaming turned on. Not sure I am going to call T-Mobile soon and ask.

[TwoStepJeff]

figured i would get this back ont he first page for people to discuss

[mconsler]

I don't think the Etiquette will really be that big of a deal. It will be obvious that we are tourist so as long as we respect one and other everything will be all good.

[TwoStepJeff]

You bring up a good point... I look pretty un-European for the most part haha. That and my Dave Matthews Shirt might well tip some one off. I was more drawing attention to some of the posts from this thread regarding crowd etiquette.

[crushondave]

i bet you have never been to america. americans in general are the most considerate, polite and friendly people you'll ever meet.

this is all much ado about nothing anyways. just enjoy the show, and if you want to get a buzz while doing so, fine. just respect the fact that *i* (and the rest of the crowd) would like to enjoy the show too, and we'll all get along.

i hope you're right. i tend to believe that the not-sober screaming their lungs out - "talking to dave from the audience" - dmb crowd is in a separate realm of asshole that i reserve my most deepest hatred for.

but in general, i do think american tourists are not so bad. maybe a little ignorant sometimes (myself included, but also witnessed when i was in china), but generally nice people.

[crushondave]

:thumbsup
Im very lucky to be around great people, but Your an idiot if you think that Americans are polite.


:lol

[TwoStepJeff]

I dunno, in my opinion I think it is kind of ignorant to just label people non polite without meeting them. I have met many Europeans how have been down right nasty with me and I don't judge the people of their country becuase they have been a dick head to me.

I can for sure see how Americans portray themselves, especially in a place like Amsterdam. Plus a lot of it has to do with the vast difference in cultures. So my point is: Eat, Drink and be Merry... cause we aren't all pot smoking fucktards that cant be respectful of other people

(p.s. it isnt just Europe where people are like that)

:thumbsup 3.5 weeks everyone. Cant wait to meet you all

[mconsler]

Quickly Approaching....