

When I say house boats, you really have to shut your eyes and imagine the glory of living on a boat. These are NOT simply boats the people are living on. These boats have been permanently docked; they have gardens growing on the decks, grills and porch furniture, window boxes and the occasional balcony has been added to the side to expand outdoor
seating. Through the windows you can see hanging pots and all the evidence of a permanent home. It took quite a bit of imagination to picture our family of six living in such tight quarters. I did imagine that it would have been a very charming way to spend a summer in college.

After cruising the river and taking in the scenery, we were met by our local guide. Now, when I travel, I like to take in the history

These “closet windows” are scattered throughout the district which runs maybe 8-10 blocks. Also lining the streets are strip clubs, coffee shops, and koffee shops. Now, you may be thinking I have some issues with spelling, which, I do. However, let me explain…A Koffee shop actually serves coffee and a coffee shop is where you go when you need a new stash of weed. (This, along with prostitution, is legal)
Now, you can imagine we Americans wandering the streets with our mouths agape as our guide goes on and on about the attitude of acceptance throughout the city. Marijuana is legal and tobacco is not? Yes. Well, as a criminology major, I don’t have a huge problem with this. If you are going to
smoke something, weed is less harmful overall to your body and people who use drugs will use them whether they are legal or not…but, I think that discussion is best left for another time.

As we continue through the district, our guide continues to point out the novelty shops, ie, condom shops, bong shops, to name few. She keeps reiterating the attitude of acceptance. I keep list
ening wondering where is God in all of this? She goes on and on about the health insurance for the “ladies” in the windows, the mandatory health checks every six months, the free supply of condoms and the tax breaks they get on the rent for their little windows or any clothing etc. they may purchase for their “job.” At the end of the tour, she asks us if we have any questions. Of course I do! So, I ask, “has there ever been any movement to change the lifestyle of Amsterdam.” Her answer went a little like this, “as I said, there is an attitude of tolerance here and if you don’t like it, you just take your little Bible, and your little dresses and you move yo
ur family out into the country and churn your butter there.” Well, I guess the attitude of tolerance only extends to the immoral. All other lifestyles or opposing viewpoints should get out because they will not be ‘tolerated!”


Our time in Amsterdam drew to a close at a local restaurant where I sampled the hodge podge and everyone else played it safe. How weird, I am usually the unadventurous eater! After a walk back to the hotel, I spent my time in the hotel reading the books in the bedside table (it wasn’t the Bible) trying to learn some real history on the city and relate it to the things I had seen that day. Needless to say when I left Amsterdam, I didn’t look back…next stop…
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Is this a car?
Would you sit on this porch?
Bicycles, bikes, and oh yea, bicycles.
2 comments:
So, in reality, they are intolerant of anything that isn't immoral! Wish I could have seen your face when she responded to your question! : ) Never really wanted to go there, but I love the description you have of the sights!
All I saw of Amsterdam was a glimpse of the city as we rode through on a bus tour to Keukenhof Gardens. The thing I remember most is all the bicycles.
Susan
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