Souvenier from Amsterdam...

[Hammer]

My aunt is going to Amsterdam later in September. I would LOVE to go with her. But unfortunately I haven't yet stumbled upon a large sum of money that I could use with little discretion to buy a ticket.

My grandpa's folks came to the U.S. from Holland. He's the first generation in my family line to have been born in the states. I guess that makes me at least a quarter dutch, though I believe there are some traces elsewhere...

But, I digress. I would like to request that my aunt brings me back a souvenier that's cycling inspired. I would send her some cash or whatever. I don't know how much time she has, it's a work trip. I have a Rabobank jersey that I ordered off of ebay. (though I must say that I'm a bit of a poser because I haven't really been able to follow the professional side of cycling) I think it'd be cool if she happens across some other Rabobank trinket... Or I may just ask her to bring back a t-shirt from a shop if she happens across a cycling rental shop or something...

Do any of you have suggestions?

[KnottedYet]

My favorite thing from Amsterdam is the maches herring....

Gotta love those Pegasus bicycles, too.

But other than being silly like that (which is my tendency) I don't have any suggestions. I didn't do any souvenier hunting while I was there.

[Haudlady]

I went to London, Paris, and Ireland in May of 2005... my husband doesn't believe in flying, and I REALLY wanted to do this, so I went alone. Those three weeks were the best! Anyway... that's not what you asked.

I brought home a couple of local cycling magazines for the DH (asked the LBS for recommendations). I also, as a surprise, took a photo of every bike shop I could find. It's amazing - they are everywhere! Even little towns in Ireland had their own shop, even if it was just in somebody's spare room. He loved the magazines, but the photos were the big hit.

I would recommend that she find a shop, and ask there what would be best. They will surely have some advice!

[massbikebabe]

Not bike related...

but I bought myself a little gold wooden shoe that I wear around my neck next to my celtic cross...it's neat!!



karen

[Deborajen]

Hammer, if I were in your position I'd be asking for tulip bulbs. While they're not cycling-related, they're certainly big over there.

A friend of mine from work went to Amsterdam last year on a side trip while visiting family in London and she was fascinated by the cultural differences. She came back with lots of pictures - one was a grow-it-yourself marijuana kit sitting innocently between some grow-it-yourself tulip kits. Wierd.--

In regards to cycling, though, I'm sure it isn't hard to find things that are cycling-related since it's such a big sport and a big means of practical transportation over there. T-shirts might not be as easy to come by, though - ? Maybe a necklace or a charm, or a poster - ?

Deb

[Geonz]

Boots of spanish leather? ... oops, musical flashbacks...

I'd want something that wasn't tacky-touristy; couple bottles of beer and keep the empties as souvenirs?

[pooks]

I hope she can find something cycling related.

I've heard there are a LOT of things in Amsterdam to partake of, but those "things" aren't legal to bring back!

(I've always wondered about Americans who go over to the coffee shops and smoke, and then come back. Just my luck, I'd end up having to take a drug test for something or other. I wonder if "I was in Amsterdam and it was legal" works as an excuse.)

But like you, I'd think a jersey would be wonderful. My husband's family also started off in Holland -- but in the 1600s.

[donnambr]

I'd want one of these.

[bikerchick68]

another idea is to have her pick up water bottles with the local bike shops logos... easy to transport and non-breakable! That's one thing I try to fin every trip....

[Hammer]

Such great ideas!! I had considered the water bottle notion. Though if she could bring back a transport bike from over there... how unique. I didn't get into biking until AFTER I travelled abroad... I'd look for different things now. Though I tend to always like shot glasses, mugs, etc.

I wouldn't mind planting some native tulip bulbs. Though it seems to me that customs tends to frown upon ag stuff of any sort. I could be wrong.

Plus, my aunt lives in North Carolina, so I'll need her to ship me whatever. Though, she may save the stuff for Christmas.

Ah, how I would love to go to Amsterdam/Holland. Maybe one day for a honeymoon.

[Brina]

stroopwaffels

[withm]

I am going biking in the Netherlands soon, and will have about 4 days in Amsterdam. These are all good ideas for things to look for. I especially like the umbrella on the handlebars, but gonna have to take a pass on visiting the coffee shops.

I am under the impression that it will rain almost every day we are there, and am now thinking maybe 2 rain jackets would be in order so I can alternate them while they are drying. Does anyone use shoe covers?

I figure at least 3 jerseys, and 3 tights, and accept the fact that there will be lots of hand laundry to do. I have visions of the bathroom looking like a 1950s tenement with all the laundry hanging up to dry. They have told us not to expect much in the way of laundromats on this trip.

Any tips on cycling in Western portion of Netherlands?

Martha

[Kitsune06]

I hope she can find something cycling related.

I've heard there are a LOT of things in Amsterdam to partake of, but those "things" aren't legal to bring back!

(I've always wondered about Americans who go over to the coffee shops and smoke, and then come back. Just my luck, I'd end up having to take a drug test for something or other. I wonder if "I was in Amsterdam and it was legal" works as an excuse.)

But like you, I'd think a jersey would be wonderful. My husband's family also started off in Holland -- but in the 1600s.

No kidding. I don't know if it would... it'd be an interesting situation, that's for sure. Probably vaguely unique. And I thought I was the only person thinking about this. Pooks, you truly are 21 with a couple years of experience.

When DGF went to Amsterdam, she went to bars etc and picked up coasters for her dorm and beer bottles, brought back the empties as souvenirs. We've got quite a collection, incl. something called 'Cannibeer' ... beer with canabis in it? Weird.