Hi,
I read in my LP Netherlands that the RLD's sex shops etc was about to be torn out and chunks were already removed. Now, I've read that there's a lot of good architecture in that area (I might be visiting) and I wanted to know if the district's sex shops etc were wiped out by now.
I'm thinking of visiting in late Jun so if there are any plans of completion of removal by then, please let me know!!!
Bedankt,
Ansh
Edited by: ansh_jain_97
I wanted to know if the district's sex shops etc were wiped out by now
No, they're not, and it seems very unlikely to me they would disappear completely as long as a substantial percentage of the visitors to Amsterdam considers it a "must-see" of the city.
There was some fuss about the clean-up of the area a year or two ago - basically what it comes down to is that part of this wonderful symbol of Dutch liberalism (as some ignorant foreign visitors seem to consider it) is apparently being controlled by shady characters, and that many of the ladies behind the windows aren't exactly working there as part of a long-term career plan, if you catch my drift. The city council decided to crack down on the criminal elements owning many properties by buying some of these properties and converting them into art galleries and boutiques, and from what I read and heard on the news that policy was met with mixed feelings - some locals regretted the "loss of character" of the place, while others acknowledged that the situation might indeed have gotten out of hand over the years.
I've passed through the area a couple of times since and didn't notice any significant change in atmosphere. The sex shops are still there, as are the windows. The architecture is indeed wonderful, and at those moments when I can ignore the drunk stag-do barbarians, the smell of marihuana and the red neon lights, I'm tempted to think it's one of the most beautiful parts of the city. It would be hard to walk through the area without being exposed to the seedier side of it though - but hey, you're only 13 so you probably don't know what all those gadgets in the shop windows are meant for, do you ;-) - so if you're afraid of loosing your innocence you're better off sticking to the similarly impressive scenery in the Jordaan area and other parts of the center.
Aribo- thanks for your response, much appreciated!
I was hoping, but well, I'll take your good advice to spend time elsewhere in Amsterdam (we're planning only 3 nights, so we're sure that we won't feel too bored to walk into that area).
It's a pity that much of great architecture is there--where I won't like to go. I've already lost my innocence (and my parents know it) ;-) but, needless to say, I won't feel comfortable walking around and my parents may not like it...
Once again, thanks!
Well, thanks sfgirl!! Good advice.
The speciality with my family's plans are that they are really subject to change, whcih may happen with some thinking or just a statement.
So far, this is what we're thinking on:
Amsterdam- 3 nights
Delft- 2 nights
Maastricht 2 nights
Museums are not on the list--this is just for a laid-back thing.
Indeed, sfgirl! I must say that my first trip to Europe (besides London for 2 nights on the way to USA) was cramped- 3 countries in 19 full days--but not as much as many I've seen here!! I must say I've learnt the advantages of slow travel from TT--TT may have shaped exactly how I'd like to travel in the future--quite different from my past wishes.