The Amsterdam Coffee Shop

The term “coffeeshop” was first created by the Dutch habit of running words together, and since its application, it has become synonymous with a special kind of coffee shop.  As you may have thought, the Amsterdam coffee shops do sell coffee and have one or more table to sit and drink it, but much to your surprise, the primary commodity in the Amsterdam coffee shops is cannabis, the botanical name for the plant from which marijuana comes.  They are now licensed by the local council and subject to regulation; however, a strict minimum age of 18 is enforced.

How the Amsterdam Coffee Shops Work

In Amsterdam, the coffee shops are not allowed to advertise, thus you won’t see a big sign saying “Marijuana for Sale”.  So, if you don’t see the dealer’s booth, simply go up to the bar and ask to see the menu.  You will be presented with a list of the different grasses and hashes available at a range of prices.

In most of the Amsterdam coffee shops, the cannabis is sold by weight, but there are some that sold it by value.  Where it is sold by weight, the prices for the cannabis are usually per gram.  There are about 28 grams in an ounce, but there are still other Amsterdam coffee shops that actually sell quarters and eights if you want.  On the other hand, where it is sold by value, the menu will present the quantity, in grams, that you’ll get of each variety for a fixed amount of 20 euros, for example.

The Usual Prices

Being a primary commodity in most Amsterdam coffee shops, the prices of cannabis generally vary according to the location and type of the Amsterdam coffee shop.  The heart of the city, the Amsterdam coffee shops sell the cannabis with prices that tend to be a little higher especially in places that cater for tourists.  That involves both the connoisseur’s shops and rip-off joints.  It is also worth noting that the Amsterdam coffee shops are prohibited to promote or advertise their wares and most have removed their menus from their web sites.

The Question on Legality

As you may know, the legal situation of Amsterdam coffee shops selling cannabis is quite complicated.  International treaties prohibit the Netherlands from legalizing cannabis, even if they wanted to.  However, the possession of a small quantity is considered to be a misdemeanor rather than a criminal offence.

Many of the people in Amsterdam are used to a certain practice in which the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis is permitted.  The people are allowed to purchase five grams at a time, though, so you could be asked to explain if you are carrying more than five grams.  But, along with these regulations, the law prohibits the Amsterdam coffee shops from advertising, exporting outside of the Netherlands, using hard drugs, an excess of five grams, an excess of the maximum of 500 grams of stock, and sales to under 18 years of age.   Incidentally, the 500 gram stock rule which as long been maintained by the Amsterdam coffee shops, is routinely broken by the busier shops.  It is now used by the authorities as pretence for occasional random raids to keep an eye on them.

The History of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands has always been a well-known name in the world history.  It is well-known throughout the world as the greatest planned city of the northern Europe, and is highly acclaimed for its rich heritage.  It was considered as the center of world economy in the 17th century, and now the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands is acclaimed for its tolerant character.

The Early Days

The greatest planned city of Amsterdam, Netherlands was first founded as a fishing village around the thirteenth century.  It developed round a dam ion the Amstel river at the end of the 12th century, and the name Amstelledamme occurs for the first time in October 27, 1275 when the toll concession of Floris V. Count of Holland happened.  During the 14th century throughout the 15th, Amsterdam, Netherlands experienced a rapid development, which later on laid the foundation for the city’s Golden Age. 

It was noted that only very few medieval buildings in the city survive today.  The houses were then built of wood, a vulnerable type of construction material.  The world famous Houten Huis is no exception to this rule.  However, most of them were destroyed, but a surprisingly large number of Amsterdam dwellings still have timber frames.

The City’s Golden Age

The Golden Age of Amsterdam, Netherlands starts from the period 1585 and ends in 1672.  This period was said to be the hey-day of the city’s commercial success.  During this time, the Amsterdam, Netherlands was the staple market of the world and it is also during this period that the characteristic Amsterdam cityscape was developed.   It is just worth noting that in 1613 and 1663, urban expansions are what set the city’s characteristic appearance.  It is also during this time that a number of today’s historic buildings were built, like the town hall in the Dam Square, which is known as the Royal Palace at present.

The Age of Gold and Silver

1672 in Amsterdam, Netherlands was a year of disaster for the Dutch Republic as the French and English were attacking simultaneously during this time. The Golden Age of the city had come to end; however Amsterdam, Netherlands was still able to manage the consolidation of its prosperity during the period 1672 to 1795 despite of the predicament that the Republic found itself in. 

At that time, the city remained as the major staple market and managed to retain its position as the financial center of Europe.  Also, a large number of dwellings were built at this period, both simple and rich canal houses reflect the city’s prosperity. 

Amsterdam’s Recession and Decline

In 1795 the government of the patrician oligarchies was overthrown from power and the old Republic ceased to exist.  Soon, the French were to occupy the country.  It was during the period 1795 to 1813 that Amsterdam, Netherlands has suffered badly from the economic recession, which is a state of affairs reflected by the stagnation of the demographic development.  A number of houses were vacant at this time, and some even collapsed for lack of maintenance.  However, some facades and interiors dating back to the Empire period of Amsterdam, Netherlands still survive up to these days.

1813 to 1940 in the history of Amsterdam, Netherlands marked the period of economic recovery and it was from 1870 onwards that the expansion began.  A rapid population growth started to happen and from here an increasing wealth was accumulated.  As many have noted, this development was primarily the result of the Industrial Revolution which triggered off a New Golden Age.  

The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Amsterdam airport Schiphol  is ranks as the world’s 3rd largest by international passenger traffic.Amsterdam is accessible by air , land or sea.Accesible by direct flights from outside continent with affordable rate.

Amsterdam airport Schiphol  seems far more than a airport.it offers so many great attractions which includes casino, the sauna and massgae service

The Schiphol Air traffic control tower, with a height of 101 metres (330 ft), was the tallest in the world when constructed in 1991. The entire airport is below sea level; the lowest point sits at 11 feet below sea level.


How to reach by Road

The Amsterdam airport Schiphol is actually situated off the A4 motorway, which connects the city of Amsterdam to The Haque, Netherland’s seat of government, and Rotterdam.  The exit to the airport is clearly signposted.

Car Parking

There are two short-term car parks in the Schiphol: the P1 and P2.  These two are both connected to the terminal and the Schiphol Plaza by covered walkways, and is recommended of stays for up to 48 hours.  Aside from the short-term car parks, there is also an available long-term parking in the airport, at an open-air P3.  This car park area is situated 4 kilometers from the terminal, and a 24-hour shuttle bus is servicing in this area to provide links between P3 and the terminal.  A luxury car park is also available, including a valet service.

The Bad Marks and Plus Points of the Schiphol Airport

There are a number of reasons for choosing the Amsterdam airport Schiphol.  One of those is the fact that all the offbeat attractions of the airport are housed under one roof, with none of the terminal hopping that causes minor panic in transfer passengers or sometimes confuses unwary first time users.   Aside from that is the fact that every great things stems from the vast Schiphol Plaza, which is the central hall of this Amsterdam airport.   It is actually the plaza which provides easy access to car parks and the conveniently located rail station.  In addition, it is the plaza which places pressure on your wallet as it provides a number of shops, with 40 shops currently on record. 

The Schiphol airport further scores highly for its catering service that is offered both before and after passport security.  It is even noted for its great thoughtful touches like a nursery for people traveling with young children.  What’s more, the Amsterdam airport Schiphol is just so close to the city of Amsterdam with good transport links.  It even has the best viewing terrace designed and built for aircraft enthusiasts at any major European hub airport. 

However, just like many other airports in different areas in the world, the Amsterdam airport Schiphol has a reputation for baggage handling problems that greatly affected transfer passengers.  And, for many people, its business center which is located airside only serves as bad mark for the airport.