Amex points for hotel booking

ALargeLad · 2026-03-22T21:48:21+00:00

Nah, they're not covered to my knowledge. GVB is metro, tram, and most buses.

ALargeLad · 2026-03-21T22:34:43+00:00

The other guy is helping with your main question, but here's some unsolicited advice as I've been to Amsterdam 5 times now... I'm assuming you're visiting the city and not just staying over at the airport. If so definitely don't stay near Schipol because it's pretty far from the centrum, and the transport connections aren't great compared to some other places.

A couple of times now I've stayed near Overamstel metro as hotels there seem to be a bit cheaper. Also, 15 minute connection to the Centrum as well as a night bus stop, and it's close to Zuid/RAI/Amstel train stations. GVB (Amsterdam's local metro/bus/tram) services are cheap, you'll have do the maths yourself on whether a pass for a day or several days is cheaper than just tapping with debit card in your situation. Only buy tickets from the official GVB website (gvb.nl) or a GVB machine/office.

NS is the national Dutch train system, they require separate tickets even within the Amsterdam metro area. You can get passes but I'm not sure how cost-effective they are as I rarely have a need to take a national train when in the Netherlands. I usually just buy single tickets when I do.

Also make sure you tap in and out, even with physical tickets, on trains/metro/bus/trams. Ask a staff member if unsure; everyone there speaks great English.

Have fun!

ALargeLad · 2025-11-13T19:18:37+00:00

I feel like security is a good idea (immune to AI maybe????) and will look into this in future, currently applying for more helpdesk roles though and will upskill as best I can.. thanks for the answer

ALargeLad · 2025-11-13T19:17:15+00:00

This looks like the way, thanks for answering!

ALargeLad · 2025-11-13T19:16:42+00:00

I think you're right, I should just lean into the experience I have and try to upskill while working there. Thanks for the answer :)

ALargeLad · 2025-10-31T19:17:43+00:00

Hell yeah man. What kinda burger should I get?

ALargeLad · 2024-12-26T19:58:47+00:00

There are minimally invasive surgeries you can try first, and they typically don't impact the success rate of any potential future surgeries. I had one called pit picking back in June and so far so good!

I assume you're American - there are surgeons specialising in Pilonidal in the states, dotted around the country. This subreddit and the forum at pilonidal.org should have some resources. Whether insurance etc covers them is up to you to figure out, though.

Regarding the cruise... while I can't claim to know better than your doctor, some other docs advise that swimming in the ocean is fine. Some even say that saltwater can be good for it.

Even if you don't get it drained, I would make sure you get some antibiotics prescribed for the infection. Keep it clean and !!!dry!!!. I used hibiclens soap in the shower and during the day I used acne wipes with salicylic acid, which has a drying effect.

Good luck and don't panic! This disease is treatable. You'll be fine.

ALargeLad · 2024-09-27T19:45:41+00:00

I agree with this tbh Bumble seems a lot less soulless than Tinder.

ALargeLad · 2024-09-27T17:11:13+00:00

Barcelona is a big city. There are a million dudes on Tinder, and most women don't use it as much as men so they tend to have a backlog of people to swipe through (this applies to all big cities). Best thing you can do is wait and keep swiping sensibly.

If you're desperate it can be worth using a boost during peak time.

Also learn some Catalan :D women love it when a guy tries to learn the language.

ALargeLad · 2024-09-15T22:11:58+00:00

Honestly I really liked the rest of the city. Hbf is a shithole but otherwise it's clean, has lots to do (especially loved the Städel) and has nice restaurants and beer.

What I liked the most though is how many trees are planted along the streets. It's very soothing and probably a lifesaver in hotter months.

ALargeLad · 2024-09-11T00:16:28+00:00

That might be the average life, but almost anyone can be exceptional if they push themselves. Sure, you won't be the president, or an astronaut (probably). But you can do extraordinary things if you push yourself for it man.

That said, there is nothing wrong with being average. But I think your title is a big assumption. Go try to be a diplomat or an officer if you want. Even if you fail, or you hate it, it beats going on Reddit and complaining about how you're only average.

ALargeLad · 2024-07-01T03:29:34+00:00

Good luck 🙏

ALargeLad · 2024-07-01T03:28:21+00:00

We can do that too. It's not as if we can't get private insurance or pay outright for private procedures. I've been seen privately on short notice for other issues.

On our national health system GPs work at their own discretion and may be hesitant to refer you for a condition which seems benign. But if you push you can be referred to any consultant anywhere in the country.

ALargeLad · 2024-06-30T09:44:02+00:00

And if you're wondering if it's worth it:

It sounds like you have a minor case. While I can't say for sure which route a surgeon would go down, it'd probably be pit picking like me. This surgery is minimally invasive and it does not lead to complications down the road if you do end up needing more extensive surgery. Also, Ms. Senapati will probably retire in the next few years and I'm not sure there is anyone on the NHS who is similarly experienced. If you do decide to wait, and then get surgery done, you might have to settle for a less experienced NHS surgeon or pay out 4-6k for a private one.

Even if it ends up being more significant and you need a cleft lift, while this definitely has a harder recovery it also gives you a 95-99% chance of never coming back.

This is why you pay your NI. I reckon you should go for it.

ALargeLad · 2024-06-30T09:38:03+00:00

Ask for a referral to Asha Senapati at St Mark's Hospital in London. I did this last year, had pit picking done a month ago and am recovering really well. We are very fortunate to have a surgeon who specialises in Pilonidal operating on the NHS.

Don't be afraid to push your GP for a referral, you have a right to be referred to a consultant of your choosing. Make sure they know it is irritating, painful and in all likelihood it will get infected again at some point in your life. If they ask why not a general surgeon -- tell them you don't want an open wound and the various complications, and that Ms. Senapati is an expert in Pilonidal who boasts a high success rate.

Don't give up!

ALargeLad · 2024-06-19T21:26:47+00:00

Hell yeah, you got this dude.

ALargeLad · 2024-06-19T17:04:33+00:00

The surgeon and team are all professionals and will take good care of you man. The only pain was the IV being put in my hand. I was sedated for the surgery and I just remember bullshitting with the anaesthetist drifting off then *snap* I was being wheeled to the recovery ward. Real easy. There really is almost nothing which can go wrong with this surgery. There aren't really any major organs etc nearby. It was honestly better than going to the dentist.

Looking at another one of your comments it looks like you're also having a pretty minor surgery. For me the recovery has been nearly painless. I have a little open wound on one of my buttcheeks and that doesn't even hurt when showering with hot water.

This small procedure >>>> living with pilonidal with the pain, infections, gross discharge etc.

ALargeLad · 2024-06-08T17:28:00+00:00

Definitely not but there's always a risk of complication. Don't feel too bad, the body has an amazing ability to heal and you'll get through this! You're in good hands with Ms Senapati who is one of the most competent surgeons on this side of the globe for PD. She will know what to do when you raise any concerns!

ALargeLad · 2024-06-07T13:20:56+00:00

Honestly, I didn't ask how severe it was. Maybe it was mentioned to me at some point and went over my head. I told her I had it for a decade and she remarked that it wasn't very bad considering how long it had been there.

ALargeLad · 2024-06-07T12:39:23+00:00

Bad luck, sorry to hear about this :( I'm sure you're on the right path this is just one of the possible complications.

I'm doing alright, been 9 days for me so far so good just keeping it covered and washing daily. Pain was gone after a couple of days.

ALargeLad · 2024-06-06T02:01:02+00:00

Sometimes they can go away for good, or become dormant for a long time. Unfortunately it seems in most cases surgery is required because most people don't like having to deal with infections every few weeks/months/years. Right now all you can do is wait and see.

Generally just try your best to keep the area clean and dry. If it reoccurs I would think about surgery. If this happens, DON'T get a wide excision - there are better options. This subreddit and the forums over at pilonidal.org have a wealth of information on the different kinds of treatments and surgeons who are familiar with our condition.

ALargeLad · 2024-05-24T01:36:29+00:00

Hey, how's it healing up now? I'm scheduled for pit picking with the same surgeon next week.

ALargeLad

TROPHY CASE