I've been reading a bit in some of the other forums about from other expats - primarily, how do you meet people?
Full disclosure: For the past 4 years I've been a organizer for Meetin Amsterdam.
MEETin.org is a word-of-mouth effort to bring people together from all over for fun, low-key events without paying membership fee's. MEETin Groups is an example on how the internet can be used as a powerful tool to help make new friends without cost.
We are:
• 100% run by volunteers - Every event posted is done so by volunteers in that city.
• 100% FREE except cost of event - Example if you go to dinner you pay your own dinner cost.
• 100% open to everyone - If you are single, married or in a committed relationship you are welcome.
• We do all kinds of events - No limit to what we can do.
The basic premise that you join the board, find an open event and register and come and have fun. That's it!
The big thing is to show up - just come. See a few events, meet all kind of people - we do everything from photo walks to pub crawls, city tours, bike outings, camping, sporting - you name it. If you don't see anything you like and want to organize your own event, please do - and we're happy to help when you want it.
Come check us out. You can find us at
http://www.meetin.org/city/MEETinAMSTERDAM/