14 Jan 06
I am planning a week-long trip to Amsterdam in June. What do I need to know to survive in this strange land of yours?
Can a non-Dutch speaker easily get a cab from the airport to the Rembrandtplein, and a train ticket for the Hague and Bruges, Belgium? Or will I need to study up on my Dutch speaking skills to communicate with your countrymen working in public transportation?
I am coming to visit a friend who is living temporarily in Utrecht. He says very few people there speak English, and all of the written material, such as restaurant menus, is in Dutch only. Can I expect Amsterdam to be more accommodating to English speakers?
14 Jan 06
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesShouldn't worry about it mate - most europeans speak pretty good english, they pretty much have to! Also Amsterdam is such a UK tourist destination all the taxi drivers etc will have good english - probably better than you or I!
I am planning a week-long trip to Amsterdam in June. What do I need to know to survive in this strange land of yours?
Can a non-Dutch speaker easily get a cab from the airport to the Rembrandtplein, and a train ticket for the Hague and Bruges, Belgium? Or will I need to study up on my Dutch speaking skills to communicate with your countrymen wo ...[text shortened]... t menus, is in Dutch only. Can I expect Amsterdam to be more accommodating to English speakers?
Have a great trip - not too many stops for 'coffee and muffins', you hear?!
L
14 Jan 06
Originally posted by scottishinnzWord. If I find a Dutchman who speaks better English than me, I'll eat my wooden shoe. I don't drink coffee or smoke marijuana, so hopefully there will be other forms of sustenance available.
Shouldn't worry about it mate - most europeans speak pretty good english, they pretty much have to! Also Amsterdam is such a UK tourist destination all the taxi drivers etc will have good english - probably better than you or I!
Have a great trip - not too many stops for 'coffee and muffins', you hear?!
L
14 Jan 06
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesWhen are you planning to be there? I am planning a trip to England this summer. WE could go calling on Ivanhoe together. That would be the bomb! I am waiting for his offer of hospitality to us.
Word. If I find a Dutchman who speaks better English than me, I'll eat my wooden shoe. I don't drink coffee or smoke marijuana, so hopefully there will be other forms of sustenance available.
14 Jan 06
2 edits
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesDr.S: "What do I need to know to survive in this strange land of yours?"
I am planning a week-long trip to Amsterdam in June. What do I need to know to survive in this strange land of yours?
Can a non-Dutch speaker easily get a cab from the airport to the Rembrandtplein, and a train ticket for the Hague and Bruges, Belgium? Or will I need to study up on my Dutch speaking skills to communicate with your countrymen wo ...[text shortened]... t menus, is in Dutch only. Can I expect Amsterdam to be more accommodating to English speakers?
You do not need to know anything at all. The less you know the better. You just need money, lots of it .... the more the better .....
You will be able to manage with your command of the English language, I'm sure .... I'm afraid your Utrecht friend is trying to pull your leg ..... it serves you right ...... ha ha ha 😛
You don't need to speak Dutch. The people you are likely to interact with will have enough ability to speak and understand English in order to make clear what they want or understand what you want.
Dr.S: "Can a non-Dutch speaker easily get a cab from the airport to the Rembrandtplein, and a train ticket for the Hague and Bruges, Belgium?
Yes.
Dr.S: "Can I expect Amsterdam to be more accommodating to English speakers?"
Amsterdam will do just fine. The Netherlands has almost become a bilingual country, so I wouldn't worry if I were you. Tens of millions of English speaking people visit our country on a yearly basis. We will be able to handle you too ..... even in the city of Utrecht ...... 😀
14 Jan 06
Originally posted by ivanhoeOK, thanks.
[b]Dr.S: "What do I need to know to survive in this strange land of yours?"
You do not need to know anything at all. The less you know the better. You just need money, lots of it .... the more the better .....
You will be able to manage with your command of the English language, I'm sure .... I'm afraid your Utrecht friend is trying to pull your l ...[text shortened]... ly basis. We will be able to handle you too ..... even in the city of Utrecht ...... 😀[/b]
14 Jan 06
Originally posted by kirksey957Reverend, that would require an awfully big tent. I don't think his stretches that far. Besides, encountering the regular, non-psychotic Dutch people will be enough of a challenge for my first trip there.
When are you planning to be there? I am planning a trip to England this summer. WE could go calling on Ivanhoe together. That would be the bomb! I am waiting for his offer of hospitality to us.
14 Jan 06
1 edit
Originally posted by kirksey957Now, you keep on working on believing in crop circles, Kirk ..... 😉
When are you planning to be there? I am planning a trip to England this summer. WE could go calling on Ivanhoe together. That would be the bomb! I am waiting for his offer of hospitality to us.
14 Jan 06
2 edits
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesPlease, consider your encounters with me here at RHP as a fairly adequate and sufficient exercise, Dear Doctor ..... If you survived me you will survive the rest of the Dutch as well 🙂
Reverend, that would require an awfully big tent. I don't think his stretches that far. Besides, encountering the regular, non-psychotic Dutch people will be enough of a challenge for my first trip there.
14 Jan 06
Originally posted by ivanhoeIvanhoe, you must give him a tour or some experience where you two can meet. Do you suffer from agoraphobia?
Please, consider your encounters with me here at RHP as a fairly adequate and sufficient exercise, Dear Doctor ..... If you survived me you will survive the rest of the Dutch as well 🙂
14 Jan 06
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesInstead of asking these ethnocentric questions why dont u get a Dutch phrase book...AND....what is this question doing in the spirituality forum?!!
I am planning a week-long trip to Amsterdam in June. What do I need to know to survive in this strange land of yours?
Can a non-Dutch speaker easily get a cab from the airport to the Rembrandtplein, and a train ticket for the Hague and Bruges, Belgium? Or will I need to study up on my Dutch speaking skills to communicate with your countrymen wo ...[text shortened]... t menus, is in Dutch only. Can I expect Amsterdam to be more accommodating to English speakers?