Hey guys, final report. All the rain in Amsterdam during the week got me a cold, so I had to lay low for a couple of days, because when I get a cold, I lose my voice, so I can't game. I had a stressful week so I decided to follow the advice and try the saunas.
In Amsterdam I went to Sauna Deco (
http://saunadeco.nl/?lang=en) which was small, but I loved the decoration, very classic and tasteful. And indeed both the sauna and showers were mixed, some cute girls around, they kept to themselves but I had a very nice "view". I found it relaxing and it even helped with my cold, so I decided to try Sauna Van Egmond.
Went early to Haarlem, walked around the city, then got the sauna. I must say, Van Egmond is probably the best sauna I have ever been (and I have tried many in different places). The place was big, installations were top notch and the staff very friendly. In this place you see people of all ages and types, but also a relaxing experience and nice "view". I wouldn't say a sauna is a place to meet people however, they kept to themselves even more than in Amsterdam. I get the impression a sauna is a place to go with friends and/or family, at least for the Dutch.
Sunday I was feeling better, so I took a tour of the city and managed to day game a polish girl that was there on holiday. Went to dinner, drinks, dance afterwards, but didn't get the bang. I know I have to improve my escalation, but I got to a point where I just couldn't go further. Still, she was very nice, so it wasn't all waste.
On Monday, my last day there I was getting annoyed by my lack of success, so I just gamed left and right the whole day, and with each rejection I was getting angrier, which in a way helped, because it got me driven. At lunch, I picked a random place near Dam Square and this drive helped me to get the waitress, a dutch girl, on a date. I would say she was a 6... anyway, I repeated the maneuver of dinner (fancy place near Rembrandtplein, Brasserie FLO, elegant and while not cheap, not very expensive either), drink at a Pub, dance and got the bang.
To be honest, I feel I was plain lucky. I still have to work a lot on my escalation and approach, but at least I didn't go back home empty handed. Thanks for all the advice folks!