Hey all, I wimped out on the Euro Empeg Meet for the past two years, but this year I want to go. Problem is, I'm not used to traveling alone. Just to put it out there, let me know if you're looking for someone to pair up with (rental car, hotel room, sight see?, and just walk around in general).

Seems many of you have done the Amersfoort meet before, so maybe I can ask a few questions:
- What's a good place for info on Amsterdam and Amersfoort. Accomodations, transportation, dining, etc?
- How's public transport in Amsterdam? Can it get me to Amersfoort? Can it get me around Amersfoort? Can it get me to "stuff to do" in the surounding area?
- Some of you (Americans) mentioned using your cell phones there. Can I do this using a StarTac (no) or a Ericsson T28World (GSM, so maybe)?
- I'm sure there will be more once I think about it more.

And did I see Rob mention something about group hotel rates? I guess I should keep my eye on that thread (or watch for a new one with meet updates). I want to book my hotels, but not if there's some special plan coming soon.

Damn, I haven't traveled in a long time, and haven't been to Europe in even longer. I have to get my head right and figure this out before I wimp out again.

What's a good place for info on Amsterdam and Amersfoort. Accomodations, transportation, dining, etc?

You can start with these:

Official Amsterdam site (just click on "english site")
Visit Amsterdam
www.holland.com

- How's public transport in Amsterdam?

Pretty darn good

Can it get me to Amersfoort?

Yes, very easily, by train

Can it get me around Amersfoort? Can it get me to "stuff to do" in the surounding area?

Yes, but there will also be enough people with cars...

- Some of you (Americans) mentioned using your cell phones there. Can I do this using a StarTac (no) or a Ericsson T28World (GSM, so maybe)?

The T28W should work (mine did in the US ), but make sure your GSM provider has roaming arrangements

Can it get me to Amersfoort?

Every few minutes in either 30 or 45 minutes, It's hard to get to grips with a passenger transport system that works and fulfils most travel needs, if you come from the UK and much of the US.
That's from Amsterdam Central, presuming you are going to do the dam first.
I think from memory that Rob recommends a suburban station in Amersfoort , rather than the Central one, it's nearer the meet.

Same timetable link, but in English (or, actually, in language "2" )

I think it was Amersfoort Shothorst (sp?) that we arrived at. It was then about 5 minutes by car to the hotel.

I think from memory that Rob recommends a suburban station in Amersfoort

Yes, Amersfoort Schothorst. And Amsterdam Central Station is "Amsterdam Centraal".

There is also something called treintaxi, where you get a taxi from the train station to the final destination for a 4 EUR extra fee.

And if you are too worried to take the train, we will find a way to catch you up by car...
For the hotel-room you'd better wait, until RobS has some group-booking ready.
Do you want to come over for the meet only or do you plan spending some time in europe before or after the meet?

cheers, Thomas

I want to book my hotels, but not if there's some special plan coming soon.

Last year, Rob V. took the payment for the hotel and booked everyone for us. I assume something similar will happen this year, so you should definitely wait.

Thanks for the info, all. Sorry I didn't "read the faq" (research) more before posting. I just needed a good foothold; now I'm set.

speedy67: I'm kinda torn on this one. I've enough vacation days to take half a month and just hang out in Euro. RobR mentioned "Iceland Air" (or something) flew into AMS. How COOL would it be to randomly go to Iceland and hang out for a few days before the meet? I'm considering that.

Ah, planning for a trip. It's been too too long since I've done this. Thanks again all.

How COOL would it be to randomly go to Iceland and hang out for a few days before the meet? I'm considering that.

Be aware that Reykjavik is a very, very cool - but rather expensive place.

Hotel group booking is arranged, at a good rate (looks like being E28 per person per night at the moment, a little cheaper than last year). Will be putting up a booking form sometime soon. DON'T worry about accomodation issues, it is sorted out: I have pre-booked 35 rooms with an option on more, and he says that there is no problem should we need more than that.

Will keep you posted!

Excellent! The rooms were very nice and clean last year, and the rate is hard to beat!

Cheers

there maybe plenty of folk with cars but not many capable of driving said cars due to beer issues

Still facing the question of the BMW or the caterham 7 but i supose our american friends would love the caterham.

Caterham 7 !!! Easy choice !!!

Well for me, I won't have to drive it there

Cheers

Cris.

there is a passenger seat !

might see if there is any volunters nearer the time

Last year Rob got us a passenger bus, so as to not worry much about the beer & driving issues.

Cheers

Woo-ho, only just over 16 weeks to go!

Thanks for the hotel info. We'll keep our eyes out for more.

Darn, I should get my tickets.... Like yesterday.

...and it's E5 cheaper per night this year!!

And I assume there will be a booking form coming up at some point?

I'll probably recycle last years form, but first I need to work through all the details with Rob. I would guess it'll be up before the end of April.

Rob