Over the last few years Amsterdam has acquired a negative name for tourists and businesses. Too many fun-seeking tourists are returned home in boxes (it seems a constant stream lately), or are victims of what are termed "petty crimes", most famously pickpocketing. There are also the gory assassinations---organized crime hits, political (Pim Fortuyn), or cultural (Theo Van Gogh) murders. And we're not forgetting the recent fire in the detention centre at Schiphol in which 11 people died, and the callous and appalling response from officials like Immigration Minister Rita 'Iron Lady' Verdonk.

These problems will continue, and the world press will continue to gleefully report these events to trumpet the demise of social liberality and tolerance in the Netherlands.

Over the years several (frumpy and uninspiring) public relations slogans have made their appearances. Starting in the late eighties with Amsterdam heeft 't (Amsterdam has it), followed by Capital of Inspiration, Capital of Sports and Amsterdam Wereldstad (Worldcity). The latest, since mid 2005, is IAMsterdam (as if slogans are a solution to anything). In birth this latest slogan was not without problems, it came out that the original creator had to be bought off.

Despite the mediocrity of the current crop of politicians, city administrators, and dopey marketing slogans, it's still a great place to be.

Enjoy yourselves, but take sensible precautions---be realistic.

Total respect to what you are saying ,my wife and I have visited Amsterdam seven times in the last five years without any problems. Are we just lucky or what ???We traditionally stay out late and walk around visiting the clubs. Maybe we are lucky or just plain stupid but Amsterdam seems safer then a night here at home in Houston. We hope to be there soon as airfare lets up a bit !!! For us Amsterdam has been a true love affair.

>>Despite the mediocrity of the current crop of politicians, city administrators, and dopey marketing slogans, it's still a great place to be.<<

That's exactly how I feel about life here in the US. Sounds like the Netherlands is following our lead. But take heart. I sense things are changing here. It's only a matter of time until the pendulum swings back for you as well.

funfor2houston : it's not luck. comparing this city to houston or anywhere else in the u.s. is like comparing apples and oranges. despite the problems here, it is still and always will be a great place. but we're not public relations shills, we're not blind to the fact that there is glaring need for improvement in a number of areas, and a bizarre myopia amongst those supposedly in charge.

greetz.