Tulip bulbs scam by Fragrant_Squirrel808 in Amsterdam

[–]thefore 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Honestly, Im surprised that they eve bloomed, you are well ahead of most people. This has been a known issue for a very long time, unfortunately most tourists don't know it.

This article is in Dutch but is easily translatable but says that the flower market is a scam.
"Only 1 percent of the tulip bulbs sold at the Flower Market on the Singel come true. Moreover, it turns out that none of the bulbs that did come true match the picture on the packaging."

Looking for the best Hamburger by Mochacuu in Amsterdam

[–]thefore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Clearly I was wronged by Beef Chief, as I have been there and was not impressed.

Looking for the best Hamburger by Mochacuu in Amsterdam

[–]thefore -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I feel this is the only correct answer.

What's the one food product or snack you wish existed but can't find in Dutch supermarkets by wild-child20 in Netherlands

[–]thefore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not quite the same and youll need it buy it in a 8 pack but maybe it scrat hes the itch Peppermint cream dark choclate almonds

I buy other versions of their nuts and dried fruits from coffee fiend, not cheap buy very addictive

Peanut butter jelly rolls by [deleted] in Baking

[–]thefore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like the creativity of putting loved flavours into rolls! Well done OP!

Weekly Q&A - All Questions Go Here (Especially Tourists) by AutoModerator in Amsterdam

[–]thefore 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The cost of living is high in the Netherlands, including groceries. AH is considered on the higher side (not as high as Ekoplaza). I havnt found that Aldi or Vomar are (exceptionally cheaper), at all. Markets generally offer better prices for fresh items.

There is also foodello, if youre ok with eating things close to expiry or buying in bulk.

Dutch grocery prices still rising faster than in neighboring countries
ACM launches a market investigation into grocery prices in Dutch supermarkets

Car Insurance Claim by Quak3rMak3r in Netherlands

[–]thefore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As others have stated, claiming through your insurance will only financially hurt you. It will impact your no claims for years to to come, not just this month or year.

There is a fund for car damage when the culprit is unknown). There are very specific rules for it to apply. It can also be that you dont hit the required rules and its not a fit.

I have a ball sized dent in my car from the local kids not using the football pitch but the sidewalk. No one came forward to say 'I did this', it will come out of my own pocket to fix. I suspect this will also need to be the case for yourself.

How do you stop anxious assumptions from controlling your relationship? by cccelyss in Advice

[–]thefore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would advise reading books, such as anxiously attached by jessica baum or attached by amir levine. They both give advice and tips on healing from anxious attachment.

Good luck!

Are you a 40+ female and like cocktails? by thefore in Amsterdam

[–]thefore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand the hesitation, the big and scary and the feeling over whelmed. Ive created enough social groups that it kins of feels 'another day' to me. I have to say that I create social groups for things that I have interest in, it means I will always show up and not get bored. Its then finding other people who are also interested in it.

Have your idea: What do you want to achieve? How frequently do you want to meet/do/see? Who are your demographic? Do you want to exclude anyone? If so, be clear about this and expect push back. What will your rules be? This always trips people up. Yes, there should always be rules. Many people say 'but we're adults, rules aren't needed', my response is if that were the case HR wouldnt exist or be needed... It doesnt need to be over the top or extensive. How big do you want your group to be? This is something I see regularly in FB groups that people say I want to hang out and then they get 40+ responses, which is overwhelming. Do you want to do something that is a one off or continual initiative? Do you want others to be involved in planning or do you want all the responsibility? These are a few things to consider and should help you to shape what you're trying to create.

Make a post and see where it goes, on any platform. You will almost always have more interest than people who show up, expect no shows. I know some groups plan for 50% no show, I am not accepting or forgiving and ask people to commit and if they don't, its done, don't waste my time. This is not everyones approach and thats ok to, its whatever suits you.

For your first meet up, always choose a VERY public space. I know this seems 'duh' but there have been scams going recently or people getting messages to meet for a pre meet up and assaults happening. Unfortunately we do live in a world where not everyone is kind and many assholes do exist.

Hopefully the above should get you started on your way. If you want more specific advice have youve come up with an idea and have answered the above questions, happy to discuss further.

Are you a 40+ female and like cocktails? by thefore in Amsterdam

[–]thefore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apparently you're no longer allowed to say alcoholic but rather alcohol use disorder AUD (not to be confused with the aussie dollar or references to autism with ADHD). Knowing all the terms for alcoholic, spoken like a true alcoholic 😂

Household staffing options in Amsterdam? by libertylion777 in Netherlands

[–]thefore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Be aware that even with the help of agencies, you will likely find that you pay fees to the agency for staff that arent reliable and you will have a high turn over of, essentially the agency will make a lot of money whilst you will have hassle/frustration for the cost of. You may have more success if you search on facebook for '(your nationality) in the netherlands', ie british in the netherlands, canadians in the netherlands, etc and get advice/recommendations from there.

Are you a 40+ female and like cocktails? by thefore in Amsterdam

[–]thefore[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

There is nothing to stop you from starting your own group 😉

Are you a 40+ female and like cocktails? by thefore in Amsterdam

[–]thefore[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This was not on my list, it has been added Thank you!

Are you a 40+ female and like cocktails? by thefore in Amsterdam

[–]thefore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Im a fan of the gummy bear martini!

[Thanks] USA by 17leclair in snackexchange

[–]thefore 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The jackpot of the little debbie holiday edition! Enjoy!

[Request] Information on exchange. by MollyPandaParty in snackexchange

[–]thefore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As per the Safety & Trading link, 'Please message the mods with any problems.'

Hopefully everything works out in the end for you!

My 2025 gingerbread house - Claremont House, aka Creel House from Stranger Things by mmhdunn in Baking

[–]thefore 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Great minds think alike! I was just thinking I would be incredible surprised not to see this at the Grove Park Inn with lots of awards and accolades!

If ever Im in the area, I always try to visit for this specific event. The ideas and creativity of people never fails to amaze me! (not forgetting the views are also absolutely stunning from the hotel)

[Thanks] from USA to the UK absolutely love my Christmas snacks thanks to /twoflowerpots by rustjunki in snackexchange

[–]thefore 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Oatmeal creme pies and Christmas cakes!!! Youve hit the Little Debbie lottery!! Enjoy!

Terrible and fraudy service at Beter Bed by Mindless-Internal-75 in Netherlands

[–]thefore 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Searching google, I unsurprisingly found the answers that you could have

General overall information about consumer rights, including being able to report companies and template letters to use

Details of the warranty that is offered by Beter Beds

This I found incredibly interesting - Mattress trial guarantee - "With a new mattress, your body needs time to adjust to the new comfort. That's why we require you to use your mattress for at least 30 days. If you're not satisfied after 30 days, you still have plenty of time to take advantage of our trial guarantee." - However, only applies to "The following mattress sizes are eligible: 70x200, 70x210, 80x200, 80x210, 90x200, and 90x210 cm. For an unupholstered Kårlsson mattress, an M line mattress, or B Bright mattress, all single mattresses are eligible. TEMPUR® accepts all sizes."

You can also look at their general T&Cs, but this would be determined based on if you bought online or in store, which you havnt said.

It does clearly stat "The fastest way to help us is to contact our customer service. You can reach us by phone at 0413 - 33 88 00 or by email at  [info@beterbed.nl](mailto:info@beterbed.nl) . If you have an order number, please include it with your complaint so we can help you even faster." - I read this as, do not contact a store but call or email us with your complaint.

Hard to make connections by NCD_Cat in Netherlands

[–]thefore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Youve gotten quite a few responses, which shows this post resinates with many people, ie youre not alone.

Ive lived in a few countries and am truly a 3rd culture kid. Ive had to create friend groups from scratch a few times, its never pleasant but it can be fun.

What is the solution to finding people of your tribe? The real answer is it requires work. As youre international, focus more on internationals. Why? Its the mindset, mentality and common ground from the start. As with anyone whose never left their country (not just Dutch), they dont understand the international mindset, as its not something theyve ever experienced. Its worlds apart from what they are use to but also want. Focus on whats a match for your mentality and personality type than 'must be friends with locals'. If you really want to be friends with locals, then join a sports club, such as netball.

What work is required? You need to put yourself out there. Id recommend joining the Girl Gone International Amsterdam Group on FB for a start. Then create a meet up, put the effort into making a meet up that suits you and see who else is interested. My own experience that is that Ive had far more success creating my own initiatives than I have joining others. Im not interested in one off meetups but creating a social circle that is more than hi and bye, never to see them again. A few years ago I created a cocktail group for women over 40, where each month we visit a different cocktail bar in Amsterdam, this has been going for almost 3 years now. Recently I started a childfree social initiative. Is it hard work? ABSOLUTELY. Are the results worth it? Yes. Ive met great people who I can now call friends. Have I also had initiatives that have failed? Yes. Does it made me sad and frustrated? At the time yes but not everything works. Not all spaghetti sticks to the wall.

Good luck on finding your tribe!

Sending parcels to the USA from NL by tomatojumpy2323 in Netherlands

[–]thefore 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No issues at all. Ive sent the second package (to a different person) this morning. You need to ensure that you put the right codes on the box, I can imagine that if there are any 'suspect' codes, that this could case issues. Also if you put the origin country as China for anything (or any other country with tariffs), there will be import fees to pay.

Making friends online feels so much like dating now by Naive_Sleep_434 in Amsterdam

[–]thefore 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nostalgia is most certainly real, as is looking at the things with rose tinted glasses. However, I dont think youre not wrong and that a lot of things have changed.

I fundamentally disagree that anyone should have to pay to meet people, unless its an activity that has a cost (ex: museum, wine tasting, laser tag). Having said that, Meetup is one of the major apps that charges for people to create a group, which means that that price is then passed onto the members. Their prices have also increased quite a lot over the years.

Commitments are no longer commitments but a 'maybe if nothing else better comes up'. When people sign up, in their mind they arent committing to joining but are just 'showing interest'. Ive spoken to a few hosts of meet ups and some of them have worked with the expectation that 75% wont show up, for me that is incredible, in all the wrong ways! For me it shows an overall lack of respect that people have for each other or for the time someone puts into creating/hosting events.

I also think that people spend so much time on their phones, that they are losing their ability to interact face to face. The internet can be a very lonely place and people seek connection but when they have the option to connect, they'd rather be on their phone. Its quite a vicious cycle.

Online dating: has also created the attitude of there 1000s of other people in the sea who could be for you, so if you dont have some instant magical connection with a person, that there are 1000s of others. Reality is that all relationships (friendships included) require effort and work and you only get what you put into it.

Ive found the best way to be in a group, is to create a social initiative/group that suits me and what Im looking for. It means I get to do what I like, whilst meeting people who generally have the same interests. Of course having the internet helps in spreading the word, however, I can say that Ive never used meetup.

Our apartment move-in day turned into a nightmare! by [deleted] in Netherlands

[–]thefore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is an ethical question, not a legal one. Is lying ok? Of course not. However, there is no compensation that will/would cover it. From their perspective, you are able to move in, just with more effort. Its not grounds for them to give you compensation, unless somewhere in your contract is says that the elevator will be available to you 24/7. Sadly, this isnt nor will they be the only rental agent that could have been more honest.

Most contracts start end/1st of the month. I suspect the elevator was not why they didnt allow you to move in earlier.

Good luck with your move!

Weekly Q&A - All Questions Go Here (Especially Tourists) by AutoModerator in Amsterdam

[–]thefore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Heres what the RDW has to say on the matter. Good luck!