Country: Netherlands (Holland)
Area: 84.6 sq mi / 219 km²
Population: 742,884
Currency: Euro
Cleaning Up Amsterdam
What is one of the world's most tolerant nations is under threat as a Conservative right wing government aims to change its global reputation by cleaning up.
Anyone who knows Amsterdam will noticed a cold and conservative wind of change, the famed coffeeshop culture is under threat by a coalition of Christian fundamentalists and socialists. The government felt the urge to give a drug-free Holland another go, the Christian-Democrats believe in their own plan to close all coffeeshops by 2011.
Given the fact that America is spending billions of dallars in a war on drugs that is currently being won by the other side, one could draw that the conclusion that;
a. people want drugs and experiment safely
b. they'll get it anyhow
c. repression is too expensive
d. it doesn't work.
In 2009 will be an important one for the future of Dutch drug policy. The banning of magic mushrooms goes into effect at the start of the new year, but this may force casual mushroom trippers to try other hallucinogenic drugs and other trippy choices that are new to the market place and shops in Amsterdam, and users will have to find other ways to get mushrooms illegally.
Also under threat is the famous Red Light District where legal prostitution is tolerated, over the next few years it is the city's plan to reduce the size of the district and eventually remove it alltogether, changing this historic part of the city forever. Anyone who has visited Amsterdam in the past will intantly bring memories of their stroll through this area, shock, horror, fear, nerves and excitement soon replaced with aw of such a place.
These are sad times for Amsterdam and Holland and I only hope that things don't develope as the politicians and bureaucrats want them to, I expect there will be a fight and resistance to these changes. It is not just the draw of drugs and sex that brings one to Amsterdam, but the fact that a nation can tolerate and control it so efficiently, its liberalism and freedoms are now threatened.
December 2008
A destination the world looks upon as a city of sin. Despite the coffee shops and red light district Amsterdam is sure to make you see things differently!
The Dutch are well accustomed to visitors wandering the streets and canals as this city fills up on weekends, so its best to book well in advance with a minimum of two nights usually required.
Look beyond the red light district and you find specialised shops, bars and restaurants, the most picturesque views of canals and streets, wander and lose yourself in its labyrinth.
We could learn a lot from the Dutch in city planning with an excellent transport system, pedestrian walkways and tolerate laws. A favourite choice for many reasons, its my Utopia and one of my TOP 10 places to see and visit.
Though I've been here several times I lack little to add here, simply because from every return visit it takes me several days to remember it all again.
