Greetings all, Just thought I'd whack a few lines on here to tell you about a wonderfully enjoyable few days I've just spent in Amsterdam. I found it a terrific, fun, chilled out place (as in keeping with its reputation) and extremely barefoot friendly. I was barefoot the whole time I was there and frequented numerous bars & restaurants, travelled on the train & metro system and even attended a football match at the Amsterdam Arena all without a problem. The program seller and a couple of the security people at the Arena were interested to know where my shoes were and were a little non-plussed when I explained that I rarely wear any but they didn't make an issue of it. There was also no problem on the (British Airways) flights in either direction or at either airport (London Gatwick & Schiphol Amsterdam). Walking through the city is a stimulating experience with a great variety of cobbled, paved and asphalt surfaces to really get the blood flowing. I got a few of the usual 'looks' and one chap told me in an agitated (but not agressive) manner that "You can't walk around Amsterdam in your bare feet !" He was concerned that "You might step on an addicts needle". I assured him that I've been walking barefoot round London for twenty odd years, was well used to it and that I'd be careful. This seemed to placate him. I was asked in one bar by a young (late teens) girl why I wasn't wearing shoes. Again, she looked a little aghast when I explained that I just prefer not to and went back to her friends giggling. Goodness knows what she told them ! The weather was a bit dodgy on a couple of the days, cold and wet, but I still didn't see any reason to resort to footwear. I left some cracking trails of bare footprints across the entryway to our hotel on a few occasions which, I'm sure, confused some of the other guests. However, none of the staff made any comment at all. Despite the majority of the days being sunny and warm I only saw a couple of other barefooters. I saw one girl walking through the shopping mall which is part of the Schiphol airport / station complex. No shoes in sight and some nice dirty soles. I saw a guy sitting outside a bar in the center of town, again with no shoes in sight, and one girl went cycling barefoot past the bar I was sitting outside of at the time. That was it though. A bit disappointing for such a place in such predominantly nice weather. All in all I'd really recommend Amsterdam as a destination. As a barefooter you'll be welcome and accepted but you'll certainly be in a tiny minority but hey, we're all pretty used to that aren't we ? Best to all, Rick
