KhalidsLife.com

My weekend away was a unique experience and culture shock, both pleasant and amusing! Every year a few friends go away on holiday and Amsterdam has been their choice for the past 3 now. I’ve never joined them due to commitments however I was able to go this year.

The flight there was fine, arrived on Thursday evening near 11pm, had an immediate adrenaline rush the way the taxi driver was about 2 inches from a bicycle whilst doing about 40mph, but I guess that’s how they drive!

Our weekend consisted of trying local delicacies and visiting different locations around the city, including the Red Light district, Amsterdam Casino and the city centre. There is a lot of wealth in Amsterdam, with many items being more expensive than in the UK. For example, a 500ml bottle of Coke was 2 Euro’s, about £1.60 which is close to $3!!!

The city is beautiful and the experience is truly unique so it is worth the money in my opinion but I couldn’t help feeling ripped off at times.

The culture shock was getting over the fact you could legally smoke cannabis almost anywhere and the ability to pick a working girl for sexual pleasure. I suppose novelty would wear off if you lived in the city, however it was very apparent both these legalities play a major driving force in Amsterdam’s tourist industry. The city is filled with people from around the world wanting to enjoy the liberal laws without shying away or feeling an outcast. And I must admit, with regards to the sex trade, some of the women are beautiful.

I personally never indulged in visiting a “Lady of the Night” - that saying isn’t entirely accurate as girls are available during the day! - I didn’t for two reasons. One, I have a girlfriend and two, because I don’t think I’d enjoy what a fellow tourist described as “Mechanical Sex” - there is nothing in it other than relieving yourself. To me, sex isn’t about that and it wouldn’t be a good experience for me, especially if you can’t touch or kiss the other person…how is it supposed to be enjoyable?

Since this blog does focus on making money, the sex trade is very profitable. We all know that porn dominates the internet and generates billions in revenue annually, well with girls charing 50 Euro’s for 15 minutes and working 8 hour shifts, they could be earning 1600 Euro’s every day…and some are!!! My friend told me some are VAT registered and have their own accountants!

Unforunately Amsterdam is also a place where you can’t walk at around at night in the centre without being offered drugs. Gangster “wanna-be’s” dominate the street corners repeatadly saying “Cocaine, Charlie, Exstacy”, which does get annoying even though you ignore it and walk by.

One one occasion a group of them were rather abusive to a hen party and did proceed to feel them a little etc but the girls just kept walking and took it well. We were a group of guys so they didn’t really bother us but I may have found it intimidating if I was with my girlfriend or alone. One doorman we got chatting to said “You can’t stop them because selling laundry powder isn’t illegal“, emphasising my point about them being “Wanna-be’s”!

On a plus side, there is a heavy police prescence and they are approachable. On one occasion they were conducting random searches and we got patted down. The officer was just explaining they do it to check for weapons as they like to ensure their streets are safe. At first I didn’t think it promoted a safe city, but looking back I was quite happy because they are being pro-active in dealing with crime. In the hotel magazine they were honest and had an awareness advert which said something along the lines of “We won’t beat crime 100% but we’ll always try and we need your help“.

Overall the weekend was good fun and it was nice to get away. Amsterdam is definately a place I’d recommend, the casino is huge so if you want to splurge those website earnings in style go there! Getting back to reality - I’ve come back to a mound of e-mails and lots of catching up to do but I have tomorrow off so I can get onto it then. It’s nice to be home!

Khalid.