Amsterdam by day was a beautiful and elegant city to explore with its winding cobblestone streets and unique architecture. The city has a great deal of character; whether it be from the diversity of its inhabitants, its’ rich history or the alternative lifestyles that take place within it. Amsterdam by night provided the weekend backpacker with a quite different experience: the eye opening and jaw dropping walk through the Red Light District. Although the discomfort of that part of town and its reputation can be overwhelming, the experience of seeing such an unusual sight, if only once, is something that I would recommend. You may (scratch that..you will) feel awkward and uncomfortable, but I believe it is an unusual memory to be made. As my friends and I entered into the famed district one night, we realized that maybe we weren’t as comfortable with the prospect of seeing scantily clad women sell themselves. This isn’t a movie. This isn’t a television show. This is actually happening right in front of us!!
As strange as it was upon our entrance in, we slowly started to become a bit more comfortable with it all and made our way around the streets and window-fronts; trying our hardest not to stare…this was not the easiest task for yours truly (Helloooo I was born to be a people watcher and this was IDEAL people watching!) All and all the experience is a must for those who can bear the concept of it all. Whatever your opinion may be, the district is a large part of what makes Amsterdam the city that it is.
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