So, I have an invite to go to Amsterdam for New Year. I have changed planes in Amsterdam a dozen times but never left the airport. To be honest all the COVID issues seem to be more trouble than they are worth.
Any and all comments welcome
COVID restriction issues?
Things open
Things to do for a week
Experiences
All welcome.
I'm sure you know things are tightening up in the Netherlands right now, especially in terms of early closings. I wouldn't plan a trip there for New Years for fear things will get worse, but you're a lot less risk-averse than I am.
I liked the Dutch Resistance Museum a lot; no doubt it has changed a lot since 1972!
Yeah, I was getting ready to buy tickets to go to Amsterdam for my birthday the first weekend in January, but that plan has fallen by the wayside now.
Thank you guys. Its not about personal risk, its about if its worth the effort. Doesnt sound like it. I am looking at a Lviv backup.
Who knows what the restrictions will be like in a month or so; but I deferred some days in Amsterdam once I was there a day.
The two onerous restrictions are their lack of a system to show vaccinations for a non-European, meaning you need to test daily to go eat, have a drink, or go to a museum. Tests were difficult to schedule, and speedy walk up testing I found came to about 50 to 60 euro a day. If you have a valid covid pass from another European country, that would help, and possibly eliminate this hassle.
The other is reduced hours; all non-essential shops need to close at 6 PM, this also means many are delaying opening hours, so that in a small shop, the day can be covered in a shift. Restaurants and bars close at 8PM, but many places have just decided to close for the duration of the lockdown, or only open on weekends. There are also a number of places that closed with the first lockdowns, and just never reopened. If you have plans to go someplace to shop, eat, or drink; verify their hours
The experience itself was sort of surreal, few crowds, that may be great for some museums, but to honest, a lot of the life that I do enjoy of Amsterdam, just seemed to be lacking. It went from a peaceful quiet to a lonely one.
What an evocative description, Paul. Thank you for sharing.
Of course I guess it is possible that restrictions might be lifted in a few weeks (they could also get tougher!), and being invited makes the calculus a little different than if you were just going on your own.
I'd agree that if you do not have access to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (QR Code) then it's probably best to wait to come to The Netherlands. There is no conversion system for non-residents in the NL, unlike France for example. For those of us that have the QR code, the entry practices to museums, restaurants, cafes, etc, are a minor inconvenience. We spent the weekend in Valkenburg - exploring the Christmas Caves - and it was packed (https://www.christmastownvalkenburg.com/). All entrants to the Christmas markets had to show their QR code and we kept our masks on once entering (although that was not a requirement).
Stores here in The Hague - like many smaller towns - have always closed at 6 PM (except Thursdays - when they can stay open till 9). So we're used to that. I guess it's a matter of perspective... For those of us living here, we're just happy not to be on another "complete" lockdown. There is a lot of frustration regarding the covid restrictions and there have been many protests in Amsterdam, The Hague, and the most violent being Friday night in Rotterdam. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59355950)
Based on what we're reading, there does not seem to be any inclination to design a program that creates a pass for those not having an EU Digital COVID Certificate... so if you do not have a QR Code already, then perhaps it's probably best to wait until this latest set of restrictions are lifted --- and no one knows when that will be.
I'm sold, looking for Plan B.
And now, as of tomorrow, just about everything except for grocery stores and pharmacies has to close at 5 pm.
Yup, I scratched the whole idea. The only three places (there are probably more) that I feel confident about in Europe right now are Ukraine, Hungary and Portugal. Oh, I imagine the Balkan states too, but thats for warm weather.
The webmaster will have a look at your website plug, 454.
This thread is not about trucking companies or moving to anywhere....
