I leave for Amsterdam on Friday. My Irish passport finally arrived, just in time. While I don't need it to travel to Europe (I have my US passport), it's more convienent to travel to/through Europe with an EU passport. Also, I think it's a bit safer. No one is really pissed off at Ireland.
I'm not so sure. My brother has gotten out of a few incidents by being Irish and not an American clod. He tends to hang out in dodgy neighborhoods, though.
I'l be going to Strausberg as soon as I get into Amsterdam. Then I'm taking my brother back with me to Amsterdam for a few days as his birthday present.