You cannot talk about a visit to Amsterdam without mentioning the red-light district. I really had no desire to visit, but my friend did and there were other stops on the way. I saw more than my share of street walkers in Detroit when I had a weekend job at a hospital in an area notorious for prossies. I'd be on my way to work and they would be on their way home.
So, here it is. Besides, what else could I do for the letter 'X' except 'x-rated'?
Prostitution has been legal in Amsterdam since 1811. I think I should be congratulated for managing to get a shot without the crowds of strolling tourists. Not easy. And pictures into the windows themselves are not allowed.
You were expecting something else?
Bonus: X does not mark the spot - as seen in Germany:
I can't remember if it was in Amsterdam, but it probably had to be because its legal there, but one of the churches we went to in the past, the denomination opened up a safe house type of thing in the red light district for "ladies of the night" to come in when they weren't working, to get something to eat, drink, other resources. They loved on them. Most of the ladies "employed" were just trying to make some type of a living for them and their children. I must ask my sister if she ever visited the area in the 2 years she and her family lived in the Netherlands. As curious as I am about things like this, I probably would have wanted to venture down to the area. Almost done with A/Z!
ReplyDeletebetty
There's a similar red light district in most large cities of Germany, as well. Hamburg's Reeperbahn is equally famous. Legalization is a good thing, IMO. Prostitution is confined to specific areas only and the women are required to have monthly medical checkups. Think of all the tax revenue. No one should ever be forced into such a life, though. That's the sad thing, when people feel it's their only choice.
ReplyDeleteI was not aware of it in Germany. In Amsterdam it is a big attraction, plus the added revenue. Makes sense.
DeleteI was wondering what you would do for X. I couldn't think of any places that began with X.
ReplyDeleteThank you for making the suggestion you did. I've blogged about it today, and left a link to your blog too.
I used Xian, China in past challenges. Guess that is part of why they call it a challenge. Thanks for the mention.
DeleteInteresting how other cultures view things.
ReplyDeleteNope, I knew it would be this topic!
ReplyDeleteBut can you guess Z?
DeleteTraveling with you is always a joy. But I must admit this is a a tantalizing title and a disappointingly dull photo. Much prefer the castles and canals! I chose xenophobia for X - a word I wish I didn't know.
ReplyDeleteWe actually only saw one worker in the windows. It was all rather dull.
DeleteWow, I didn't realize it had been legal for so long. I'm not sure I'd want to see a picture into the windows so your street scene is perfect.WeekendsInMaine
ReplyDeleteA really sad thing is something I see more and more in women's rooms in rest areas when I travel - human trafficking posters, asking people to look out for/report same. I saw such posters in the past week in both West Virginia and Virginia. I have never, incidentally, visited a place where this (voluntarily, hopefully) was legal and the storefront was not what I expected. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThey ask that you do not take photos of the girls because many of them have family who do not know what they do for a living.
DeleteI remember being there with my ex. We found the oldest church in Amsterdam but I was talking out loud that we couldn't find the red light district until I looked across from the church and there ya go! A lady on the window so ...we found it. What was funny were the 2 nuns who were walking I. Front of us, pointing and sharing their views
ReplyDeleteYup. It's right in the middle of everything, just like the corner drugstore.
DeleteNever made it into the red light district either. Missed it in Hamburg too. Told it was fascinating to see the girls in the windows.
ReplyDeleteNot so fascinating for me though I did hear a woman say how nice looking one of the girls was.
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