Sinful!

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Amsterdam oozes temptations.

Within about eight minutes leaving the train station, Jim and I accidently found ourselves in the red-light district. Prostitution is legal in this renowned place where red lights really do mark the 'shops' where scantily-clad women advertise themselves behind glass doors. What an interesting concept to make the centuries-old profession legal. Apparently there are all sorts of health rules. If the practice is going to exist (and it does everywhere, even on my street in Denver!) seems like an smart idea to make it safer and off the streets. Hmmm, debate please. (Dad, again, I am not reimbursing you for my Catholic school education.)

The city also has legalized the possession of marijuana up to five ounces. It may only be bought in specified 'coffeeshops' around town. These place are pretty easy to recognize with their official green and white signs and the smell seeping out of them.

Rest assured that we ventured into other parts of the city. The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of the painters works and had excellent guided narration of his short career. The Anne Frank Museum was definitely the highlight of our visit. Her entire hiding area in her father's business building has been preserved. They also had videotaped interviews of the people who helped her in hiding as well as a woman who met her in the concentration camp and her father (the only member of the group to survive). Heart-wrenching story.