Ajax USA is pleased to announce our inaugural group trip to Amsterdam, to see Ajax play two league games against two great opponents, Vitesse Arnhem on April 22, and NAC Breda on April 27!

This discussion allows you to ask questions and read answers about this historic trip.

For complete detailed information, be sure to visit our Travel with Ajax USA to Amsterdam! page.

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2000

Answers

I'm proud to read there are fans of Ajax in the states AND that they are coming over to see them play! If there's anybody who needs info or another way of help, please write and maybe I can do something for you guys. Hope you enjoy your stay! Greetings, Bas Amsterdam

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2002

In a previous post, I wrote about "Ajax in April" being quite simply the best vacation ever. Me and my big mouth. Don't yuh know Ajax lovers,the package available this year BEATS last year. How? First, I've got two words for you: THE CLASSIC! Tickets for this match are the hardest to get. I have had the pleasure of seeing the Old Firm in Scotland and Boca v. River in Argentina. Given a chance to see a CLASSIC instead, I would gladly have opted to travel to the Netherlands.

Second, Whether going for the 4 night or 9 night option, anyone signing on with merry pranksters will enjoy a trip steeped in the Ajax tradition . As long or as short a time as one has been a supporter, I would guess that you won't have many better chances to Truly Experience Ajax.From the first minute, you will find the camaraderie of Ajax supporters. Day 2 is match day. AJAX v.the F- word. It doesn't get any better than that. Day 3..recovery. The best recovery is fresh air and exercise. The walking tour of Ajax history is just the ticket. Not only a great chance to experience Ajax but see an amazingly beautiful city. Day 4 is Arena Day. It is not everyone who has the opportunity to observe Ajax-1 in training, to speak with the coaches , to take photos, to later tour the Arena. Heard about the infamous ArenA pitch? Read about it in the A-USA discussion boards? See for yourself when you go down to the field. It doesn't end there!

The Ajax museum is not to be missed. It is amazing! The trophies are there. the photos of national teamers who wore the Oranje as well as the Red and White are there. The videos of matches past are there.Walking thru such a history gave me goose bumps.And a DeBoer burger at SoccerWorld, the watering hole located at the ArenA.And this is only the first 4 days on the ground.

I could go on and on. But you get the idea. For the 9 dayers like me, it will be more of the same; fun , frolic(It is Amsterdam! afterall), and footie. Be there or be Square!

-- Anonymous, November 10, 2001

Allright!!! You are going again! Now you can "taste" the impressive atmosphere before and during the AJAX-feyenoord match. I'm going as well to that match, if i manage to get tickets. Have a good time!

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2001

Can't wait for the 2002 edition.As a veteran of 2001,and knowing how much time and energy Jim, Menno, and Bastiaan devoted to making the trip amazing, I think it will really be awesome when announced. Members stay tuned.Booking my flight tomorrow, 11/6.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2001

More press coverage...

We now have Menno's translation of Menno's article (nice he didn't have to guess at some of the meanings...) from Nieuwe Revu (see, I can spell it now) on the site, here!

And here is a scan of the article from Ajax Life magazine. (Thanks, Nico!!!) Translation coming soon.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2001

My favorite restaurant in Amsterdam, mostly because it's smoke-free, though the food's great too: Wagamama, Max Euweplein 10, 1017 MB Tel: (0)20-528-7778.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2001

The 2001-2002 season schedule is supposed to be officially announced today, so believe it or not, it's time to begin our first discussions of the next Ajax in April! Stay tuned to this discussion.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 2001

The Ajax in April trip was a great time. We had some good luck running into some members of the Holland World Cup Team and some of the former stars of Ajax after the Ajax youth game. Our tour guides Bastiaan, Jim and Menno did some fabulous work. I give them a lot of credit. I look forward to my next chance to take the trip.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

Dear Ajax-Usa members,

I am glad you had such a great time in my beloved city and with my probably even more beloved club, AFC AJAX. I think the trip was amazing and next year i hope to be a more active part in the whole trip (this year Jim n Menno wouldnt let me...hahaha just kidding). Sadly this year i had much on my plate to be an active member of the deligation. But luckily i met up with Jim and some of the others after the Ajax - nac game. I was waiting inside having the taste of a few good beers when i found they were outside. So had a shake of hands and a short conversation. I think this initiative is awsome and should be repeated many a years to come.

Ajax 4 Life!

-t0bi

-- Anonymous, May 12, 2001

Same announcement here (folks who added an alert: sorry for sending you the same news twice...): my article about Ajax USA, our Ajax In April trip and Ajax' way of (not) dealing with support from abroad was published today in Nieuwe Revu magazine. A translation will appear on Ajax USA soon.

For now, check out the picture of Ben Bell's Ajax tattoo, which they used as a teaser on the Nieuwe Revu website !

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2001

Just wanted to add my thanks to all those above. I wasn't part of the American (and Canadian) group itself but was made to feel very welcome at both the Ajax-2 match and the WC qualifier.

Special thanks to Menno who willingly dealt with all my many questions and Jim for offering the spare ticket to Holland v Cyprus (and for giving me 5-0 Cyprus in the betting pools!).

It was a pleasure to have met you all and thanks again for letting me tag along!

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

Hey, thanks, fellas. Remember, there wouldn't have been an Ajax in April with out you guys. And don't short-change Baggy; Bastiaan did a lot of work on the History Tour, too, and he's to be commended.

For a 'sneak preview' of the trip photo page, surf over to www.ajax- usa.com/ajax/travel/ajax_in_april_2001.html.

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2001

To avoid the risk of continuing the maudlin (but accurate and appropriate) sentiments of Ben and Raymond, all I can say is - ditto.

Special thanks to Jim and Menno for all their preparation work before and during the trip.

Bastiaan, when you think you can keep up with this Canadian in beers, let me know.

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2001

...only Mr. Birthday Ben Bell can express an experience like he did above..!!

But in all seriousness, the trip was a blast.

Much thanks to Jim for creating the site, sharing the vision and finally seeing it through (the inagural A'dam trip); a huge gratitute owed to Menno for his dedication to the site and his hospitality during the trip; after all, Ajax is Amsterdam and with his insight the website elevates itself to 'a local authenticity' level; and of course to Bastiaan, another local contributor who deserves equal merit. Without him I would never have figured out how to get into the ArenA last friday !!

Then there was the rest of the crew during this inagural voyage: Ben, who's just happy to be there (a perfect sense of the word 'understatement' !!); there's Bob, who's always smiling. I mean, he's always smiling...then there's Peter; he counts the number of Heinekens he's had...(...last count over a thousand...) and there was Dave & Linda. Well, um, eh, Dave & Linda found out there was a lot of other attractions in A'dam besides Ajax.

But for those who attended the three matches, Bastiaan put it in the most proper perspective when he said we saw three generations of Ajax players during the week. We saw the past (Nederland v. Cyprus), the present (Ajax 1 v. NAC) & the future (Ajax 2 v. thefreedrinksteam). Bastiaan got philosophical while carrying bags...

I'm sure most have heard the saying that every child has to visit Disneyland or Disneyworld once in their lifetime; but this experience is incomplete because every adult must visit Amsterdam to complete its lifes' experience...

There is eternal love, and there is love at first sight. But there is only one true love and it is THe LOve FOr Ajax...!

Cheers Raymond X X X

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2001

Let me get straight to the heart of the matter...AJAX in April was quite simply THE BEST holiday I've ever had. The pictures posted to the web so far tell the tale far better than this Media, Pa. -based refugee from the little bus ever could. The trip had it all; plenty of AJAX footie to watch( 1 AJAX-1 match, 1 AJAX-2 match, AJAX-1 training,Youth matches at de Toekomst), an important World Cup qualifier,the AJAX "Magical History Tour",walking tours of the ArenA and AJAX museum, and many chances to rub elbows with AJAX legends and present day players alike.

Add to this such activities as: 1. a night out watching the Boom Chicago Comedy troupe,2. A chance to see Stephen Malkmus( a Pavement reference for all music fans out there)in concert,3. experiencing the unbridled{WILD!!} fun of Queens Day and Queens Day Eve,4. plenty of Shop till U drop opportunities, and an excellent chemistry in the group from start to finish, and you have what we the lucky few had:10 days in Paradise City.

This camper extends sincere thanks to Diamond Jim McGough, Menno ( At Work ) Pot , and Bastiaan (Baggy) Vercouteren for their hard work and tireless efforts...and for their friendship. Kudos also to fellow campers Mystery Bob Zylstra, Raimond (van der) Ngaio, Peter (Floyd) Hassebroek, and our resident couple, Dave and Linda.And to all the people of Amsterdam and beyond that I was honored to meet and know along the way;especially Susan, Ineke, Mark,Phillip, Alex, Armen,Alex (different one), and others too numerous to mention. Sincerest regards and warmest thanks for the great camaradereie and your hospitality and kindness. HUGE thanks to all Players, Coaches,Management, and Staff of the best damn club in the footballing world...AFC AJAX AMSTERDAM!!!!! AJAX rolled out the red( and white) carpet time and again. They are the epitome of class off the pitch as well as on.

Last, thanks to the head coach of De Graafschap 2 for handing the Merry Pranksters their entire allotment of complimentary beverage coupons in the aftermath of that clubs inept...ok..pathetic performance v. AJAX-2.The Heinekens were mighty good.

To all those of you reading this, my final last words are start saving your $$$. The show hits the road again next year .Truly a trip not to be missed!!

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2001

We're famous!

Ajax.nl has now published their report on Ajax USA and 'Ajax In April' on the homepage. Check it out. Translation coming soon!

-- Anonymous, May 01, 2001

Damn.. i'm jealous. You have met THE best player ever of Holland and Ajax, Johan Cruijf. Next time i will go with you :-) It is nice that O'Brien scored so he is on his way back. Enjoy you stay in Eindhoven, the Philips stadium is not as cool as the Arena. Cya

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Nice to met you Jim. It whas a nice evening at The Toekomst. Greetings TB http://www.ajaxjeugd.nl

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Yesterday was truly amazing. If I told you that Johan Cruijff winking at me (yes, it's true) was the LEAST exciting thing that happened all day, would that put it in perspective? I can't even list all the great Ajax personalities we met. And watching the reserve match - John O'Brien scored a great goal on a direct kick, Ajax beat De Graafschap 5-0 -- was just fantastic. An Ajax reserves match will be a part of the trip every year, that's for sure.

Today's historical tour of "Ajax" sites in Amsterdam was totally different from yesterday's all-day schmoozefest, but it was truly great in a very different way. Menno and Bastiaan did a fantastic job in designing this walking tour. On behalf of the group, thank you guys!

Tommorow, the WCQ. :-)

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

hey...

i only want to give my compliments to the people who organize these trips to amsterdam, and let ajax-fans from the usa see their favourite team. i life in amsterdam and i am a ajax-fan (of course)... i hope to see you all on queens day in amsterdam...

keep up the good work greetings

alain

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Geez... yesterday was just AWESOME!

I mean: what other word can you use if Co Adriaanse allows you to come and watch an Ajax-1 training session within the pitch and take an exclusive group picture with the team, shake hands with all the coaches and walk on the ArenA pitch? And that was not all: we saw the Ajax Museum, got a special Ajax USA discount at the Fanshop and bumped into Louis van Gaal (pictures!) in SoccerWorld bar... And at night? We watched Ajax-2 play De Graafschap-2, saw John O'Brien score a fabulous free-kick, took pictures with him and were interviewed by AT5 Television... And erm, oh yeah: after the game we met Danny Blind and Leo Beenhakker at De Toekomst bar.

What a day... We took loads of pictures, which we'll put on line when the week's over. But right now, we're too busy drinking Heinekens.

See ya later...

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Hey! We're here in an Internet cafe on a Saturday night in Amsterdam because we're such friggin GEEKS!

So we are landed safely and we were even sound until a couple of hours ago. But it's so great to be back. Okay, now Menno takes over the keyboard:

Yeah, Menno here... This is actually the first place where they don't sell alcoholic beverages. That's why we're leaving, right NOW to some better joint around the corner.

One of our attendees, Mr. Ben Bell, is having his birthday on Friday, during this trip. We'll probably drag him into a tattoo shop and pay an Amsterdam-three-crosses-logo for him (right arm).

So, here's Mr. President again...

I am not a crook! I am not a crook! Oh, sorry. That Mr. President thing threw me off...

Anyway, we'll pop into the Internet cafe once in a while to post updates to our trip. Don't look for too many changes on the Ajax USA hompeage for a few days...

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2001

Allright !! by the time I write this you will be in Amsterdam. I'm going to Ajax - NAC also, maybe i'll see you then(if everything goes well). I hope you have a good time.

P.S Don't spend all your money in the red light district :-) cya

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2001

I guess the time has come to wish you all a safe and pleasant journey to Amsterdam. I will pick up Jim from Schiphol Airport at 11:30am or so. We'll be going directly to the hotel to check in. I guess most of you will have arrived there by that time.

'Ajax In April' kicks off. I've been looking forward to it for a long, long time. Can't wait to drink the first of many Heinekens with you guys. See you all tomorrow!

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2001

Bastiaan, you must be ashamed to be Dutch after having to write such a sad story about your countryman. ;-) Truly pathetic by Mr. van Gaal, I think.

Anyway, on to things we CAN control, like... the weather! Bastiaan reports that, at this moment, it's COLD in Holland; freezing rain and hail. Brrrrrrr...but it's this cold northern wind. If that changes, it could get nice all of a sudden. So I guess the point is, pack for a variety of climate conditions, 'cuz that's probably what we'll have during the week.

I guess Holland is like San Francisco... If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes and it'll change. You can also get an Amsterdam weather forecast from Yahoo! Weather.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

BTW: no chance that this Vitesse match will still be played on Sunday. No way, too late for that. What a shame, what a terrible shame! (if so, we'll let you know of course a.s.a.p. but don't count on it)

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

OK, now listen to this:

Van Gaal decided today that he - all of sudden - will *not* call up his players before Monday morning! So the change and cancellations of the entire Eredivisie schedule this weekend was USELESS! This has everything to do with the league games of Barcelona and Juventus. They didn't change their schedule so they'll have a problem if Van Gaal calls up Zenden, Frank de Boer, Overmars, Cocu and Van der Sar (Davids is suspended for the WCQ). Frank de Boer personally called van Gaal (the latter confirmed this today) and asked him about gathering a day later.
Van Gaal said he was furious about the two clubs and stated that this is absolutely an exception. He blamed Barcelona and Juventus for being lazy and stupid not knowing Holland had to play that Wednesday and just passing over the right Van Gaal has to call up his squad 4 days before a WCQ.
But wasn't it Van Gaal himself who just 2 weeks ago mentioned the idea of calling up his squad 4 days before the match, instead of 3, while 6 months ago these league games were scheduled??? The pot calls the kettle black I'd say. Shame on him!

And then again: he just called up Victor Sikora from Vitesse and no Ajax player...big deal!

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

First of all, i understand why you're so upset. But the thing is.. the KNVB made a choice WITHOUT noticing the railroad police. And now the railroad police said: "wait a minute because of the F&M we have not enough people to transport supporters". I'm very upset too, because now the good people have to suffer from the bad supporters! If there weren't such losers who started fighting after a game there's no police neccesary. And Louis van Gaal is a f*cker too. Ajax has no internationals and vitesse only 2 players for the dutch squad. And come on... we play against Cyprus.. even my team would win that game. So everybody is a littel bit quilty here. It is very very sad :((

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

You're right, Freek.

The Foot & Mouth Disease is horrific. Very sad indeed, and it's justified for the police to consider it their priority. But here's what annoys me so much: the Vitesse game has been on schedule since August of 2000. When we first started to plan 'Ajax In April', I actually called the KNVB to tell them: "Hey, there's a league game on the Sunday before a Holland game. Isn't that strange? Are you sure it will be played?" Yes, they told me. No problem, since it's a relatively minor opponent.

Then, all of a sudden, Louis van Gaal decides that he'd actually rather see the league games of that weekend cancelled, since Holland has fucked up their right to call *any* opponent 'minor'. Game cancelled. Well, okay, but why only two weeks in advance?

Anyway - all of a sudden the game is back on. Great. And not even one week later it gets cancelled again, because the police need their people for the fuckin F&M crisis!! I mean: I assume the KNVB talked the re-scheduling to Saturday over with the Amsterdam city council, both clubs involved and the railroad police. Or is that a stupid assumption? How the fuck can they agree to play it on Saturday, and then cancel again a few days later because of something that's been going on for weeks and weeks and weeks???? Did the railroad police decide to check their agenda AFTER they agreed on the new date, or what?

"AM I SO SMART, OR ARE THEY SO STUPID??"

(Answer: a bit of the first, a lot of the latter)

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

First of all, the mouth and footh disease is very serious here. So i understand that the police gives more priority on that, then on some football match. But the Vitesse supporters should take their stewarts with them to the match so they can look after the supporters. But i'm very disapointed in the KNVB. They said that it was certain that the match would be played on saturday. I had to take a day off from work and now this! What will you(ajax-usa)do now? Still going to Amsterdam on the dame date? cya

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

Once again , common sense is gives way to idiocy.Is it too much to ask to use coaches as opposed to trains? Obviously the answer is yes. I mean, how long has foot and mouth been an issue now? Several months.How did they train service cope before now? Typical BS or perhaps , as we are talking about cows, Bovine Scatology!!!!

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

Ok then its good :). I purchased today 2 tickets on the 2nd "ring" southside(f-side), where will you be? It would be fun to meet you :-) And i didn't know that it was a risk B match. But that doen't matter. Cya

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2001

Yes - we know, and it's all taken care of :-)

By the way: the home game against Vitesse is not in the 'Risk A' category, but in the B category.

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2001

Hello AJAX fans,

Uhm.. i don't know if you have already been dicussing this, but you need a (supporters)club card to buy tickets for the game. And espacially ajax-vitesse is a risc 1 game, so 1 ticket requires 1 clubcard. I hope you all have clubcards because otherwise its impossible to buy tickets. I'm going to ajax-vitesse to, maybe i see you there :-) (almost impossible)

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2001

Cool! You can make yourself a little "cheat sheet" for dollar-to- guilder conversion. Cut it out and put it in your pocket. Do it just before you leave, so you'll have a more current reference.

Oanda.com Cheat Sheet: USD to NLG

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2001

Oh, and I *WILL* be there for Queens Day. :-P

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

First of all, I want to say THANKS! to the intrepid travelers who stuck with us for the last week-plus while the KNVB and Ajax got their act together. I know we will have a fabulous time. In fact, we'll find a way to make up for the confusion.

I may or may not catch the first game, now a Saturday day game. It all comes down to whether my flight's on time or not! :-o

Unfortunately, fellow-traveler Raymond Ngiau, one of our longest- standing and most supportive members, won't be arriving until 7pm the night of the first game. Don't worry, Raymond, we'll ply you with plenty of Heineken on Saturday night to help you forget that you missed one game.

But I am *really* beginning to feel the excitement now. It's bloody hard to concentrate on work and the ordinary tasks of life (like sleeping) when I think about where I'll be in ONE WEEK'S TIME!

Hup Ajax! Hup Holland!

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

Hello ajax fans,

its great to see that you are going to see 2 matches in a week, but it is a shame that you cant't stay till Queens Day. That is SO cool. But i'll think that you will have enough joy watching the ajax matches. I hope you have a good time. Cya.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

hi,

i am richard from holland, just heard on the news that the game ajax- vitesse is scheduled at saturday april 21st 2.30 pm, i don't know what time you all arrive in amsterdam that day, but you might even make it to that game, hope to see you in the stadium....... bye,

R.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

I hope all attendees of 'Ajax in April' read this soon, because erm... what I wanted to say is...

AJAX vs NAC WILL BE PLAYED ON FRIDAY, 27 APRIL!!!

YES!! YES!! HALLELUJAH!! I've just called the KNVB and here's the story: NAC wants to bring more supporters along to Amsterdam than originally planned. Therefore, NAC has to organize additional trains and buses themselves. This took them a few days - and they files a request to make the kick-off time some 30 minutes later, so they'll have more time to get all their fans to the ArenA. That request was granted. Kick-off time is now 8:45pm (which gives us more time to drink beers before the game, *LOL*), but anyways - the game is on. The KNVB gave me a "100% guarantee".

I am really glad I can now say: I'll see you folks next week, in Amsterdam. We'll have a f*ckin' GREAT week.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

I've just spoken to Ajax media department. They are as confused and bewildered as we are. They are scrambling to cope with this decision, too.

Depending on whom you talk to, the decision regarding the fate of the Ajax-NAC game will be made today, or within one week. :-(

From my perspective, it all comes down to that second game. If Ajax- NAC is confirmed for April 27, then I suggest we all try to move or extend our travel and hotel plans so that you are staying through 4/30, Queens Day. That way, we'll have our week in Amsterdam, with all the activities planned, and one Ajax game, one NOW SIGNIFICANT Holland WC Qualifier, and Queens Day. Still an excellent trip.

I will try to call each of the attendees today, to find out your flexibility and your preferences. We'll do whatever we can to turn this sow's ear decision into a silk purse trip.

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2001

Being a freelance journalist, I've learned this: you can do your research in time, you can start writing in time, and you can start in time calling all the people you want to interview, so you'll absolutely be ahead of your deadline. But there's always one moment, one tiny little fucking moment you're depending on someone else. Someone that has to call you back, do something very quickly - or mail something to you. And THAT's where it all goes wrong.

That's what's happened here. Only a few things could spoil this trip: a week-long hurricane over the Atlantic making it impossible to fly, a strike of all airline personnel, or exactly this... And yes, it's happened.

That's how I felt yesterday. I felt like killing Louis van Gaal and bombing the KNVB headquarters. It was, therefore, really good to talk to Jim on the phone: he, like me, was amazed about such amateurism, but had decided that he was not gonna allow this to spoil his mood. Which is probably the best thing to do. I'll try.

THIS WHAT THE SITUATION IS LIKE:

Ajax vs Vitesse is off and we're not gonna change it.

According to Ajax.nl, the status of Ajax vs NAC is 'uncertain'. All I can say right now, is that it's very, very unusual that the league games *after* a Holland game get post-poned as well. I will call Ajax and the KNVB today, hoping to get to talk to someone. I'll do anything to find out a.s.a.p. whether Ajax vs NAC will be played. If so, we still have a Holland game and an Ajax game to watch during the trip. Perhaps it's possible to re-schedule airtickets to a few days later, and cancel a few hotel nights, so the whole thing gets a bit cheaper. At this point, we do not know what the possibilities are. We're trying to figure it out as you read this.

If Ajax vs NAC gets cancelled as well (which I consider to be very unlikely), it would make no sense to proceed, *but* if the matches get re-scheduled to May or early June, there's a good chance that there'll be two home games within one week. We could check out the possibilities to post-pone the whole trip to a later date, since plane tickets are often non-refundable, but you can re-schedule your flights without losing your money.

Note: we can't guarantee you anything and we do not know anything at this point, neither about the KNVB's re-scheduling plans nor about the policy of airline companies. This is just a some brainstorming, which I figured might be of interest to you. We will keep you informed about everything regarding the trip. Throught this discussion thread, by e-mail and - possibly - Jim will call you for urgent matters. We'll make the most out of this.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2001

I am shocked and dismayed!! Is the KNVB that worried about Cyprus? If they were so worried, they should've scheduled the match for June, giving the players rest from the season and time in training. Many thanks to the Staff of AJAX-USA for their hard work in putting together a great trip. No comments on the actions of the KNVB as I try to refrain from such language!

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2001

The Holland team lacks the killer instinct. Its not just about playing beautiful soccer, which they always brag. Sometimes they have to win to put a stamp on a beautifully played game. Holland says "we played a beautiful game." Past World Cup holders would say "why dont you visit our national team office and look at our trophies." What is more beautiful than that?! Come on Holland, kick some ass.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

Not exactly true. If Holland wins all the upcoming games, they will end up definitely second in the group. This is enough for an extra match against some other number two in another group. Anyhow: they'll have to beat Cyprus!

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

The only remaining good news after Portugal vs Holland: the home game against Cyprus in Eindhoven, which most of the travellers will attend, is still of major importance. Holland can't afford to lose one more point. They should win all remaining games and then hope the other results in the group will be in their favor. Yup, that's how sad it actually is...

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

I am extremely excited to say that our inaugural trip to Amsterdam is less than three weeks away!. We will be comprised of a small but hearty band of Ajacieden, currently 9 'guests' and three hosts.

While I would have liked a larger group for self-promotion reasons ;-), I can say that this small group will have an especially excellent time. Instead of a 'tour-group' situation, this will feel like a group of close friends partying for a week together in Ajax paradise. Of course, attendees will still benefit from the 'tour- group perks' of a detailed pre-planned itinerary and all logistics worked out for you. (I think Menno's 'walking tour of Ajax neighborhoods' will be a highlight.)

By the way, when I saw fellow inaugural traveler David McCroskey's message above, about a $500 r/t ticket from Seattle to Amsterdam, I surfed over to Expedia and, sure enough, I was able to book a flight for $550 r/t from San Francisco on Northwest. Now I can cancel my $990 flight on United, and, as David says, apply the balance to enjoying Amsterdam!

And just in case you're not excited enough about this trip, you can do some Holland research at Expedia.com's Netherlands page.

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2001

Hi all!

Wow now less than 3 weeks to go - can't wait. Am flying out of Seattle on the 20th, non-stop to A-Dam for $505.00 roundtrip for my girlfriend and I. I thought that was pretty good, When I first started looking they were over $1,000.00 We are only able to stay a week - leaving on the 28th Saw the NEC game yesterday...hope we see better stuff than that. Did see two new young forwards: Bechan and Quansah - they need some time. All these young guys are...small. And Chivu went off with a injury and may be out 4 weeks. Hope we get to see him. Anyway looking forward to seeing everybody!

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2001

Wanna check her out? See this. This is gonna be our new queen, you know...

http://www.maximaforum.f2s.com/ (then click "FOTO'S")

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2001

For those of you staying in Amsterdam for Queen's Day: it'll be a pretty special edition, since the Dutch crown-prince, Willem- Alexander, and his girlfriend, Maxima Zorreguieta from Argentina, have officially announced their wedding yesterday.

Last year already, there were pictures of Maxima all over the place on Queen's Day (which is not bad, since she's a pretty good looking bird, actually). The 'Alex and Maxima' theme will be even more prominent this year.

The Dutch don't really take the royal family too seriously, by the way. This is not too much of a nationalist or monarchist country. They're just pretty good peeps - and Queen's Day is just the country's excuse to go absolutely nuts for a day :-)

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2001

Hey, some reassurance for all of you travelling to Amsterdam: you guys live in a country where things are pretty damn expensive compared to Europe, especially now the latest brilliant European invention (the EURO) is doing absolutely shit...

Which means that Amsterdam is now an extremely cheap place for you guys. Some indications? Sit back and hold tight.

Heineken beer, glass: $1.50 Grolsch beer, glass at Soccer World: $2.00 Heineken beer, 24 bottle crate: $9.50 (+ $3.50 deposit for the crate) Whiskeys/tequila, glass: $3.50 Complete meal at fast-food place: $5-$6 Dinner at casual restaurant: $10-$15 Dinner at pretty fancy restaurant: $20-$25 Ticket to evening movie: $6-$7 Ajax scarf: $10 Ajax official home shirt: $50 (and I think they went on sale...) Calling to the US (PTT Telecom): 8 cents/minute

No kidding. The longer you stay, the cheaper your plane ticket gets...

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

Don't know if anyone else is leaving from the Philadelphia area but here are a couple of airfares I found: United-$475.99, Philly to DC to Amsterdam.Flight leaves Philly at 3:35pm on the 20th.It arrives in DC at 4:40pm and leaves for Amsterdam at 5:45pm, arriving at 7:15 am. on 4/21. Return trip has same connection.that was the cheapest I found. Next cheapest was Continental. Continental -$542.90.Flight goes Philly to Newark to Amsterdam.Times are: departs Philadelphia at 4:40pm or 7:20 pm and connects at Newark after a 45 minute flight from Philly. Flight time to Amsterdam not noted but total flying time from Philadelphia to The big A is 10 hrs + 1 day on the earlier flight and 11 hrs 45 minutes on the later. Two Continental flights at the $542.90 price noted.Both arrive in the big A at 11:20 am on 4/21/01.Didn't include departure dates as I imagine it is different for all.53 and counting!

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2001

Bastiaan alerted me to the fact that we've gotten our first coverage in the Dutch press about our upcoming trip! On 08 February, journalist Rim Voorhaar mentions "Ajax in April" in his daily column in Het Parool. Today's column is even titled "Ajax USA." READ THIS.

So when and how is everyone traveling? I'm flying from San Francisco to Amsterdam on April 20, and staying until Queens Day (yay!), flying home on April 30. Can't wait!!!

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2001

We'll be running this 1/4 page print advertis ement in Soccer America magazine through January/February issues.

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2001

The mid-week WC Qualifier btwn Holland and Cyprus will be played in Philips Stadium in Eindhoven. It's a great, modern stadium, 1.5 hours from Amsterdam by train. Tickets for this match are available as an optional extra from Soccer Vacations. (Neither match tickets or train travel are included in the regular Ajax in April package.) We will post ticket availability and cost info here as soon as we know more.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

Response to Travel with Ajax USA to Amsterdam, April 2000!

Regarding tickets... We are buying the match tickets from an agency who works directly with Ajax. We will be paying a premium for this service, not purchasing at face Value. You just cannot buy blocks of 40 or 50 premium match tickets by the usual methods, even for games this far in advance. Since we don't yet know the exact cost per ticket, we have allocated a generous $75 per ticket ($150 per person) within the package price. If the price we pay per-ticket ends up being less than that, we will refund the difference per ticket to every attendee. We are taking NO markup on the match tickets!

Our expectation is that these will be premium "Category One" seats, midfield, midway up, near the press area. As soon as we get the seat- locations details (hopefully within a month), we will post that information on the web site.

Regarding hotel rates... I checked rates and availability at the Amsterdam Marriott. The cheapest single-room rate for April 20-28 is EURO250 not ncluding tax for each room (approx $225 US). Compare that to approximately $100/night at the Ibis Stopera, the more expensive of the two hotels in our package.

So what else is covered by the package price? Our land-package includes a small advertising budget (look for our ad in SoccerAmerica in mid-January) to ensure that we get a big turnout and a major presence inside the Arena. The budget also includes commissions for the travel agency (again, that is their business and they're entitled to profit on this package) and for Ajax USA. This commission allows us (Ajax USA) to provide support staff at the venue and during the entire trip, making sure that the trip is a success at every level.

Yes, you can do this on your own. As an individual, you can probably find a cheaper hotel, buy a match ticket at face value, book your airline tickets on Travelocity, and avoid paying a group-travel agency commission. But I don't think you can arrange for a fully- managed and staff-supported trip for such a large group for these two games for much less than we're doing.

Our mission is to make this a big (lots of attendees) and very successful trip for our members. SoccerVacations is, we believe, the very best partner to help us achieve that. Time will tell, but I'm confident this will be a great value and a great experience for those who choose to join us.

Cheers! - jim

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2000

Response to Travel with Ajax USA to Amsterdam, April 2000!

Well if any wealthy ajax fan out there would want to make a poor american college student happy with financial help for a trip to holland it would be very apreciated :) RPopescu@excite.com

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2000

Response to Travel with Ajax USA to Amsterdam, April 2000!

To be precise: that week is the opening week of 'De Keukenhof' - the Dutch tulip fields which seem to be very appealing to tourists. Plus: it's just over a week after Easter. Which means there'll hundreds of thousands of Japanese shooting pictures of the tulips; and hundreds of thousands of Germans taking a walk on Zandvoort beach with their huge dogs... :-)

Both 'De Keukenhof' and Zandvoort beach are outside of Amsterdam, but the whole of Japan and Germany are trying to find hotel rooms in town. Hotel owners regard this week as the start and - at the same time - as one of the highest peeks of the tourist season.

Why didn't we choose for a different week then, you may wonder? Well, we picked this particular week because it's the only chance in the season to see two Ajax games ánd a Holland WC qualifier in eight days' time.

But: a completely valid question indeed.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

Response to Travel with Ajax USA to Amsterdam, April 2000!

Hi Adam,

Good question.

The week of our trip is also the inaugural week of the Tulip Season, and some sort of Tulip Festival. At that time of year, all hotel rates go up (no off-season deductions) and room-availability is at a minimum. Many hotels are already booked solid for that week, and nobody offers discounts, not even to large groups.

We chose these two hotels after a LOT of research. As far as the cost of the package, keep in mind that the package price includes processing & handling, room tax, 3.5% credit card fee, and commissions for both SoccerVacations (they have a right to make a profit on this package; that is the business they are in, after all) and (smaller one) for Ajax USA, which is intended to cover our costs on this trip, not to get rich quick. ;-)

Without going into every detail, I think people can take all that into account and then make their own decisions as to whether we are offering a good value with this plan.

However, I will ask SoccerVacations to investigate the Marriott rates and availability, and we'll get back to you via this forum. Thanks for asking.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

Response to Travel with Ajax USA to Amsterdam, April 2000!

I returned from Amsterdam on Dec 5. I stayed at the Marriott in the Leidesplein for $158 U.S. weekdays (395 gilders) and $124 U.S. weekends (310 gilders). This is recent rates that I know are in effect. Tne Marriott is a 5-star hotel with large rooms, king-size beds, fitness centre, bar, 2 restaurants and 24-hour room service. How can it be that the 2-star hotels in the tour are much more expensive? This is not a good rate at all. Anybody could do better on their own. I am very interested in the tour and am not the devil's advocate but how can this be worth the money? 2 Ajax tickets cannot possibly make up the difference in price.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

Response to Travel with Ajax USA to Amsterdam, April 2000!

The travel page refers to two "Ajax USA staff members and chaperones of the problem-solving kind, living in Amsterdam". Those dudes are (drum roll...) Bastiaan and me.

What we have in mind is just being helpful: making sure public transportation works out fine, answering all your questions about the city and Ajax stuff and so on. We'll organize some fun things too (which you only join if you want to, of course), but our main goal is to take care of all those tiny little things tourists do not know, but locals do.

If you can think of any questions, requests or comments at this point: don't hesitate to post them here, or send email to us.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000