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This is Amsterdam! Hello Everyone,
If you haven't guessed, I'm in Amsterdam. It has got to be the most liberal city on earth. In 2000 the city made prostitution legal. The red light district had been there for a long time, but it was just ignored. The origins go back to Amsterdam's days as a shipping port. The district evolved near the docks for the convenience of the sailors. Houses had to be identified, and blue or green lights could cause the girls to have an unhealthy pallor. The sailors are gone, but not the district. The prostitutes are self employed. They rent their window from landlords for E80 to E135 per shift. The price depends on whether it is the 12 hour night shift--more expensive and, as in any real estate, location, location, location. It is up to the landlord to check passports before renting a window. The girls (and occassionally boys) must be 18 and European Union residents. If anyone does not meet these requirements, the landlord could lose his or her licence. The landlord is also responsible for keeping the areas clean and safe. Windows (with attached rooms) are never isolated. Two or more are connected for the safety of
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My dining partner at an outdoor restaurant. the prostitutes. They also have alarms in case a customer gets nasty. E50 gets you 15 minutes, although each sets her own prices. They also set their own hours, so if they pay rent for 12 hours but only use it for two, that's fine. They make €500 to €750 per shift and pay taxes. They get free health care, but STD testing is up to them. Most stay in the "biz" five to ten years and then move on to other things. They come from all walks of life and most get involved for the independance and the money. There is a connection to prostitution and drug addiction, but as I learned, most drug addicts wouldn't pay the rent for a window--would rather put the money into drugs. Why legalize it instead of shutting it down? The sex trade industry brings in 2 billion Euros per year. I visited the Prostitution Information Centre which was established about 11 years ago by the girls themselves. The centre offers information to the public on every aspect of their industry. They also offer services to the girls-- a daycare centre, tax advice, self-defence training and so on.
In 2000 the city
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These plaques were moved to this outdoor restaurant wall. Many years ago they would be on a business showng a picture associated with the business. It was because people were illiterate and couldn't read street names. You would give directions as three doors from the baker, etc. also legalized the sale of soft drugs--hash and marijuana. Coffee houses are allowed to sell up to 5 grams to anyone over 18. Be sure and ask for a menu. As a customer service, they have free rolling papers. 5 grams will cost you about E50. You can smoke up right there or take it to a park or home. The smell is around everywhere and at all hours. After a week, I hardly notice it. Soft drugs can't be sold by just anyone--similar to the concept of bootlegging. Addiction is viewed as an illness rather than a criminal matter and help is readily available. Holland has fewer drug addicts than neighbouring countries.
The Netherland's greatest social concern? Are you ready? Public urination. A recent study showed that 75% of men and 30% of women admitted to doing this at least once--Ewww.
Other observations. The houses lean. They lean forward on purpose. Way back they taxed according to house frontage, so being the frugal sorts that they are, they built their houses narrow and tall. That makes moving furniture up and down narrow staircases a nightmare, so the windows are large and almost every house has a large
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Amsterdam's flower market on a Saturday morning. hoist hook near the roof line. Most furniture comes apart IKEA style, so they hoist the furniture up the front of the building. What has this got to do with houses leaning forward? To protect the exterior when the furniture is being moved up.
The houses also lean sideways, but not planned that way. Amsterdam is built on marsh. New buildings now have 90 feet of pilings installed before construction begins. In the old days they used wood pilings which have broken down over the years. So the buildings lean into the building next door. Speaking of housing, the canals have over 2500 permanent houseboats. There is a real housing shortage.
I spoke with a woman who was an immigrant in Holland. Before becoming a citizen a person must attend classes for 20 hours per week--plus homework--for 18 months. They study the Dutch language and Dutch culture. The are tested regularly. She knew all the museums because they had visited them as part of her new citizen training.
There are bicycles everywhere. There are 700,000 in a city of 750,000. So if you subtract those too young to ride and those physically unable to ride, probably every adult has a bicycle. They transport their children, carry groceries, go to work--everything on a bike. You see people all dressed up and riding to an event. Not sure how they manage in high heels and party dresses. On two different occassions I saw people riding dogs on their bikes--one in a front carrier and the other sitting on the back on a small platform. Have yet to see anyone wearing a helmet. That includes the dogs. The public transportation system is excellent. Between bikes and trams, there is a noticeable lack of cars. The main city streets have a sidewalk, bike lane and special lane for the tram tracks. Cars don't fit in comfortably. Car parking is even more difficult. It is common for cars to end up in the canals because they park too close to the edge.
I have never seen so many tall people. About half the women I see are taller than I am. Men of 6'6" are a common sight. The next generation--people in their 20's are even taller. Men who would draw open stares in Canada are hardly noticed here. Apparently they do all kinds of studies of diet, water etc. trying to determine why this is, but they really don't know.
The people are very kind and helpful. A country of gentle giants, but maybe that has something to do with the amount of grass they smoke.
Bye for now.
Donna
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Selma
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Catch-up with our travelling friend
Hi Donna My system was down for nearly a week and I am now trying to catch up with my mail. We have had quite a bit of rain these past few days and little sunshine. Everyone's grass is looking great. The Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery had the Official Opening May 26th. There is still work to be completed in and out of the library but it is a beautiful, functional building. The "Opening" was very exciting and special. Stay in touch and keep on moving. - Selma