I’m glad you enjoyed Amsterdam. I like it, too. But I like Paris more, even though I’m far better at reading French than speaking it. Pluck up your courage and don’t believe everything you read about Parisians being rude.
I’ll bet you have a cell phone. Download a translation app that will render your English in acceptable French and brave the Gallic world. You’ll be richly rewarded: there are only so many Nederlandish and Van Gogh masterworks a person can see, and Paris has the Louvre and the Jeu de Palme with all those magnificent Impressionists. Besides, the French eat far more interesting food than the Dutch, even in cosmopolitan Amsterdam. To my mind, Amsterdam surpasses Paris in its orchestral music; for the Concertgebouw play in Amsterdam. On the other hand, Paris has two opera houses and stages operas with wonderful casts.

Surprised First on domestic flights didn’t give Lounge Access. (So much for us poor Europeans expectations!)

So I took the Long March down to the Chase Lounge, and when I saw the vending machines my food expectancies were set to zero, but was pleasantly surprised at the cold, fresh healthy salads.

Returning to Europe on BA first ( incredibly low cost upgrade when booking) I give high marks to the AA Flagship lounge in MIA.

If I fly on SkyTeam, I like many others, avoid CDG. It is staffed by “shrug my shoulders” folks who do nothing to make the airport run efficiently, while the AF on board service is fine.

Have done the KLM SFO-AMS 787 and like you write, it is a solid pleasant product with slightly cramped biz seats.

@evan – stay report coming up! Hyatt Regency Amsterdam using confirmed suite upgrade (Andaz was available also but their standard suites are smaller)

I was debating a trip to Paris or a trip to Amsterdam. As a well bred, respectful traveler who has never been to either city, I googled etiquette in Paris:

1) always say bonjour and au revoir (which I cannot even pronounce)
2) don’t eat while walking
3) restaurant servers might be snobs (but they do make a pre-tip living wage…)
4) don’t speak english (which is my 2nd language, now you want me to learn a 3rd just to tour your city?)
5) the bus drivers might be rude
6) the carrefour grocery cashiers might be rude
7) everybody might be rude

ooooookay. Then I googled etiquette in Amsterdam

1) it is hard to be rude in Amsterdam

So I went to Amsterdam and had a blast. I spoke no Dutch. Everybody was polite.

The staff is friendly and they try, but it’s gotta be the worst premium lounge in the industry.