I assume he only wants to change the contract so he can charge more. If it were me, I'd say "Of course I do not want to pay more than I currently do. But if you need to change the structure of the contract for some reason, I am happy to consider whatever you propose. But I will have to seek advice from the huur commisie to understand the implications of any proposed contract." Then do exactly that. Huur commissie is there to defend renters, not landlords. Huur commissie will probably tell you that you don't need to sign any new contract and that he can't kick you out. If the place you rent is furnished, they may also tell you that you have been over-charged for furnishings and that your landlord owes you a few thousand euros. There is no time limit for back-claiming over-charge on furnishings. Not saying you should make a claim - but its a good card to have in your pocket if your landlord is being difficult.

I have had the same problem.

 

I found this place:

 

http://www.activeclub.nl/default.asp?page=amsterdam

 

I believe it has a pool. But I expect it will be more expensive than David Lloyd. Looks nice though!

 

There is also Sento, where I believe you can use the pool in the complex:

 

http://www.sento.nl/

 

But I think that was also very expensive and the hours for accessing the pool were very limited.

 

 

I have lived in both cities.

If you can afford to live in central London, then you can afford central Amsterdam. And I think the accomodation in central Amsterdam is better. You can get a one bedroom canal apartment, with great views and features for the same price as a dingy flat in central London. If you can't afford central London, then same for Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a small city, not spread out like London. So you can ride from one end to the other in less than an hour, then you are in the country side. Maybe that's why it's described as a village. But the center is filled with bars, restaurants, cafes, museums, music/arts venues. These tend to cluster around open squares where you can sit outside in summer. These clusters (Leidseplein, Rembrandtsplein, Jordaan, Nieuw Markt, De Pijp, Spui, to name a few...) are never more than 5 minutes ride from the next. So it's very compact.

I have never experienced the kind of "Dutch rudeness/weirdness" that people bring up on these forums.

I agree the Dutch seem less sociable than expats, but that's normal. I found the same thing in London. If you already have a life/family/friends, you are not going to be that fussed about going out boozing with a bunch of people fresh of the boat. My Dutch colleagues come for a drink after work. Just not as often as the expats.

I would agree that Dutch customer service and shopping is pretty bad. But that just means you will no longer shop for pleasure, which I found to be a good thing. Save it for trips back to London.

Overall, I prefer Amsterdam. Easier to make friends, less pollution, less traffic, less consumerism, healthier (ride and walk everywhere) lifestyle, safer streets, easier to go out with friends (most in Amsterdam live within 15 minute bike ride). Downsides are bad food and bad customer service. Lack of english speaking theatre, if that's your thing.

London has more going on, just because of it's sheer size. But I couldn't stand the traffic/noise/pollution. Or the constant self-hatred whinging about everything in the media. (Don't speak Dutch. Maybe they whinge too, but I'll never know) Or commuting (even in zone 1/2, it still takes forever and the tube is so depressing) Or trying to meet up with friends when everyone is spread all over the city. I did like the food, the customer service and the parks though.

This post was edited by pixtix at January 14, 2012 5:37:43 AM CET

Totally agree with Sarah Wookie.

 

Leo is a really good hairdresser. After so many dud hair cuts in Amsterdam I was really happy to find him. I was particularly happy with him because I wanted something a bit non-standard and he has the right mix of confidence, passion and creativity that seems to be lacking in Dutch hairdressers.

 

But the service is a bit of a problem. I have waited up to an hour after the scheduled appointment time. Sometimes he has been very distracted answering the phone, talking to staff, helping put colours in other people's hair, doing other odd jobs... so he'd cut my hair for a minute, then disappear for 3 minutes, then come back and do another minute...

 

This even happens in the middle morning/afternoon on a weekday when they are not even that busy.

 

I've been going to Leo for the last couple of years. But I am going to try someone else for my next cut as I am a bit fed up with the crazy service. I've had a couple of recommendations. If they are no good, I will probably be back to Leo. Maybe the salon chaos is just the price you have to pay to get a decent cut in this city.

 

I also tried Toni & Guy in Magna Plaza. A couple of times. Hopeless. Never again.

This post was edited by pixtix at January 8, 2012 2:52:13 PM CET