Amsterdam The Town With Toleration
Thursday, September 29th, 2011Amsterdam is a great destination for a weekend break, a mid week break or even longer although you’ll struggle to keep up as there is always something occuring regardless of what night it is.
While it’s true Amsterdam is perhaps most well known for its red light district, the undeniable fact that it has a totally legal area where holiday makers and punters alike can walk the narrow lanes viewing the ladies of the night (and day) is due to the Dutch tolerance such a place is their in the first place.
Nowhere else in Europe will you find a more tolerable place and Amsterdam goes out of its way to ensure there’s something for all tastes and that no visitor could claim they felt out of place.
Visit Sameplace on Nassaukade and you’ll begin to see what I am saying. The motto of this erotic bar is “Freedom is the right not to lie about yourself.” At first it seems to be just another Amsterdam street cafe and you are welcome to treat is as such. You’ll find singles, couples, gays, cross dressers and much more sat inside enjoying a coffee. Nobody is bothered, stared at and so on and everyone just ‘gets on ‘ as if they have been chums for some time.
The truth is though that they haven’t, everyone is just able to relax and to be themselves.
At night the cafe becomes the bar and a few nights a week they have themed parties where you’ll need to wear bondage gear or at a minimum plenty of leather. Other nights will feature rubber or togas as the dress code. Once in, you might want to go to downstairs where there is a dungeon available for fans of BDSM.
At no point will you be put under pressure into anything or asked to do something. You can join in or you can people watch as you roam around. As the patrons are mostly Dutch or fans of the Amsterdam way of life you’ll find you are treated with respect just as you’re expected to treat other guests the same.
If you do visit Amsterdam for a short break, do not simply stick to the museums and canal trips. Amsterdam has way more to offer its visitors if you’re prepared to look around with an unprejudiced attitude.
Clarissa is a clothing designer and a repeat visitor to the city where she shows off her sexy clubwear and pvc clothing at the fashion shows and clubs.