Red Light District AMSTERDAM- Licenced to be Spoilt!

The Red Light District is one of those locations which is really a must see for those who enjoy seeing true differences in culture. An evening stroll through the district is certainly an eye opener.

amsterdam_4097_1

As a woman heading to the red light district, I was interested in discovering how many other woman would be there and how they would be treated. There are plenty of women around the red light district- some in all female groups and others with their partners. First off, the red light district is definitely aimed towards men.

It’s pretty well organized and looked very decent 😉

The women who meant serious business were standing like dolls standing behind the see through windows (call it a parlor or booth) and waiting for their clients wearing skimpy clothes..

The booths and interior were always lit with dim red light may be that how the place got it name..No brainer isn’t it 😉

That was literally a crowd pleaser. The seduction, magnetism and charisma of the women inside made sure there was no one walking with straight head 😉

The women working in this area (in the windows, bars, shows) are definitely more concerned with lone single men in groups. Overall, the area was friendly.

We did walk to see so many cafes around, some more than 100 years old. It was incredible to walk through. There are sex shops and places where you can see a live sex show along the street also, and these are actually fun to go into and let your wild imagination run free!
As a woman who was nervous about it first but glad we went later, I recommend the live sex shows – especially the one at Moulin Rouge where we had been. The place wasn’t just filled with scary men like I thought it would be, but normal people, many couples. The show itself isn’t really sexy and it certainly won’t turn you on – it’s quite scripted and mechanical really – but was fun to see and I had a good laugh.

It was quite sad to watch all these little girls very beautiful to sit there like plants, completely stoned with lost personalities.

It really is different to the real world. Not seedy at all and definitely worth a stroll through, especially at night with the canals all light up. . Definitely something to see once in your life.

Certainly its one of the major Amsterdam Tourist attractions!

58 thoughts on “Red Light District AMSTERDAM- Licenced to be Spoilt!”

  2. Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC says:
    Reply

    I love your photos and your narratives — even though this post is upsetting on several levels. I’m relieved to have seen things through your eyes – distanced – but I know that, personally, I would spend my time seeing anything *else* in Amsterdam, were I to visit. I would NEVER take a trip to see these red-light dolls in cases – so frustratingly distressing. I don’t want these images in my memory banks.

    It’s far too easy to conclude that they have a right to merchandise what, in Amsterdam, they have a right to sell, but I simply can’t accept that idea and move on, putting this environment behind me without comment.

    While I will always find it impossible to understand the thinking behind laws regulating what we are allowed to do with our own bodies (as long as it does not harm or infringe on the rights of another), I will never be able to relate to the mindset of the “buyers” in this environment and the voyeuristic behavior of so many curious tourists. A popular tourist destination? With so much else to see in this world of ours, THIS is what they feel they “must see?” It would put a damper on my entire visit. Truly, I don’t get it.

    Why do women make this choice? Because men are eager to pay for sex and we are told that they are visual – and some women feel that have nothing else to sell in a disturbingly competitive market.

    I suppose the men who buy their services are willing to pay MORE after titillating themselves in a buyers fantasy they will be able to revisit in their memories when they have no other sexual outlet. But I will never be able to relate to them – or respect them. I am unable to regard them as anything but perpetrators, however hard I try.
    xx,
    mgh
    (Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMore dot com)
    – ADD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder –
    “It takes a village to transform a world!”

    Liked by 2 people

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      Hello Madelyn,
      Thank you for visiting and commenting.
      You made a very correct statement about flesh trade, which is very iniquitous thing.
      Don’t have any skepticism towards my reply or post.
      There cannot be any two opinion to say flesh trade is a very dastardly thing.
      This job is forced by the very society which have human rights, civil rights and whatsoever but at same time not to forget, Here nothing is free.
      When the leaders are discussing about climate change, making earth pollution free, there are people who are thinking just about making their family poverty free. Every body has a right for good life, but not every body gets it in good way.
      I quoted about a small story from a movie which had a story of a young girl from Pakistan, who left her country for good life of herself and her family only to find that world is not too kind outside her place either. She opted this job of sex worker in red light for betterment of her family, so that her younger sisters would not have to see the days what she has seen.
      There are many articles which tells how the new generation is intimidated with porn, people want to become porn stars. Think it as a career! Crap isn’t it.
      Life is very strange you see, for some we get our daily dose of milk as we want from refrigerator (bought from store obviously) but for many in different part they have to milk the cow first.
      Though we say that life gives equal opportunity to everyone but we ignore the fact that the platform for everyone is not at same level.
      No society is crime free or perfect. I don’t support this wrong behavior of society toward women, but at same time I wish the same society allow everyone to get good life for everyone , with Peace!!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC says:

        Well said – many good points here, sadly. Even in America the playing field is far from level. To extend your analogy, too many people lack even access to a cow to milk.

        I do my best to clear judgment from my heart, and can certainly understand and empathize with those who are forced by life-circumstance to make survival choices (especially in, as you put it, “the flesh trade”). I lack success in quelling my judgment toward those who exploit the need of some to make those choices, however. I simply cannot understand it.

        While not illegal, the pornography “industry” is out of control – including child pornography, which IS illegal – and “Adult Movies” are big business, considered by some a valid career choice, as you point out.

        In almost all of America prostitution is against the law, but the majority of the “johns” are never arrested or prosecuted. It does take two to commit the “crime.” And let’s not even talk about the pimps.

        I have no solutions to suggest, I just find it all very, very sad – thus my first comment. No offense to you or your blog intended. Thanks for responding.
        xx,
        mgh

        Like

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      Hi Kim,
      Thanks for visiting🙂
      From the girls prospect it is never a good situation or place to visit, but we cannot completely deny its existence in the society. It’s out of my imagination to reason how and why they are in this situation, could this be averted? I too don’t support this.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Kim Knight_Author (Romance/Suspense & Crime Fiction Writer) says:

        Hi, I feel that there has to be a reason why the females in the windows have decided to take up the line of work they have. Due to this, it might be hard to avert it… everyone has choices in life, and I guess due to circumstances this is a choice some women personally feel they had to take and could not avert. As long as they are looked after while at work I guess this is all we can pray for. If one has made this choice then there is no one that can take it away… until it becomes illegal to work and I can’t see that happening. For too many years it has been passed as OK so for now I don’t think it can or will be averted. Unless the ladies themselves avert.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Sallyporte says:

        Hello Kim,
        Excuse me for replying lately, I was in a vacation.
        I completely agree with you that for many girls it’s the matter of personal circumstances that bring them to this place.
        I would like to quote a story from a Bollywood movie Which had small stint of red light district Amsterdam, here the actress meets a friend of friend who is actually a sex worker.
        Here when inquired by actress of why she working in this place which is not safe and good , the girl replies that she has left her country to come here for good living and life for herself and her family.
        She had to take care of herself and also her brother, younger sisters and mother back home.
        This tells many things isn’t it. Money can’t buy everything but money is most important for good life.
        This may not be a story of all girls here, but money have many faces!

        Like

  4. patriciaruthsusan says:
    Reply

    Interesting. I was a long-distance telephone operator for a time and we got some of our most obscene callers (usually not actually callers but kids saying nasty things) from Holland. We would hang up on them as they were just playing around. The sad thing about prostitution is there’s dope addiction behind it. It’s usually not a victimless crime as some would prefer us to think. Also, even scarier, the sex trade is probably involved. I think I’d pass on that tour. —- Suzanne

    Liked by 2 people

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      Hi Suzanne,
      Being a girl myself, I cannot convince myself about the existence of such place.
      It is out of anyone’s imaginations to answer how, from when and why are they into this profession and in such place.
      Life had been never easy to anyone. I recollect a statement which said Life is pain
      and anyone who says differently is definitely selling something! So true isn’t it.

      Liked by 2 people

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      The discussion of karma would drift the topic to different level. As a tourist it’s an unique experience to be there.
      Not to offend or something, I don’t completely accept the karma thing because karma says good gets good and bad begets bad, but one philosophy also says one who is very good die early and go to God. Irony!!

      Like

  8. pathbreakingwriter says:
    Reply

    While I was reading this I mentally went back to my old days when I used to stay in downtown Mumbai and just a few blocks away was Mumbai’s popular Red Light area. As a decent Parsi boy I was told not to venture into those filthy lanes, but at one point I did visit it for my college project on Prostitution. I had the chance to talk to many ladies there and I was stunned to see that people there are very normal. A good learning experience, but I was extremely cautious hoping that they don’t drug me into something.

    Like

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      Hi,
      I have heard and read about that place in Mumbai. Its such a good example to compare.
      Even in Mumbai for those ladies its just a profession, but the level of treatment with them is sky difference. In Amsterdam with things being legal and organized, females in this profession are treated well Here what looks fetching and crowd appealing there it looks fugly. Excuse for harsh words, buts that the fact.

      Like

      • Initiator-Life with Tranquility :) says:

        Hi buddy, welcome and pleasure to have ur beautiful thoughts for my blog.
        i love to live distinct from others..! Bcz when i will die may be someone remember me in his/her thoughts..!
        Ur way of explaining red area of Holand is really good. But how women is in Pethatic condition at those places, no her identity just a show peice for public and pleasure of people..
        Just my point of view bcz i feel its not freed slavery.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. RV John says:
    Reply

    I had a visit there about ……. 45 years ago! I was a fresh young man of about 18 from the hills of KY, boy was I shocked! I make no judgment of the place (good or bad) it is what it is. Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      Hi RV John,
      Whoa! that quite a pretty long time. I guess if you could make a second visit, you can gauge the situation better, if the things are worst or have improved in time..
      Its a second world anyway.
      Thank you for liking the post, keep visiting 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      It is quite thoughtful that even this industry has enormous competition. The so called Client who comes in different ages look for young girls. It is quite a tough industry where to survive for long term she has to take up this professionally where she has to keep your interest and liking over her interest and attitude. May be this is what the fresher in this profession is taught by their seniors!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. saaranshsinghpundir says:
    Reply

    haha…loved this…’no one walking with straight head’…interesting post.

    And the way u touched triviality through…’little girls very beautiful to sit there like plants, completely stoned with lost personalities’ is mongering

    Liked by 2 people

  14. kenyattayamel says:
    Reply

    I enjoyed the article and the various comments about it. I think the idea of seeing prostitution as simply another job is mature.If the woman is there on her own free will then let her earn money and those who don’t want to participate will stay away.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      Hi Cindy.
      I totally get your point, but I think sometimes we need to see things from different dimensions. Atleast here I found the business is operating not by force but by choice. With things being legal, I believe they are much safer and women are treated better.

      Like

  16. ANM7 says:
    Reply

    Nice post. Just guessing that the Red Light District might have evolved. Meaning that it perhaps is regulated by the Governement, IE packaged as a tourist attraction. As for the girls, and yes the “sad” part, I concur. And no doubt, they might rich men who in rare cases remove them from there with a promise perhaps craved by the young ladies. Yes, they in some cases pursue a dream, the brass ring. And some as in my youthful experience, come from abused homes. Finding some kind of refuge. Thanks for this post.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      Hi Anm,
      I support your emotional feelings with this subject. Being a girl myself will never assent and like any girl in the world to be doing this kind of work ever. But cannot ignore the fact that for
      some, prostitution and sex films have made their profession and career.
      Would be overreaction to get bent out of shape on this topic but I feel as far this is by choice, we can rest the thing saying its their life and freedom.
      Considering things being legal and well organized, I feel women are much safer and treated better.

      Liked by 3 people

    • Sallyporte says:
      Reply

      Hi Serena,
      Thank you for liking the post 🙂 Amsterdam is a unique place in itself. So much to see , so much to do. Here being abnormal (intoxicated) is the quite common and the normal thing…how cool isnt it? 😉

      Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment