Nights of red windmills - Euro Trip 5

For almost two hours now, I thought whether I should put a viewer’s discretion for this post. I mean writing it is no big deal, as our Ramesh has written in his posts it would be something like forward statement =). However I don't think it’s really needed for two reasons. For one, any spoiled kid reading this would be more tempted to read further with that statement (“those” sites with age verification does nothing more than few more clicks, funny!). Plus I am not really going to write something better than what he/she see in Indian movies or Ftv. So with that note here I go.

Canal near De wallen

Writing or talking about sex (from here onwards we address it as the big S as I don't want my site to be listed first in Google :P ) is always a taboo. Specially so in Indian customs, this explains why an Indian witnessing PDA (public display of affection) undergo such a cultural shock when in abroad. However the world looks up to us as pioneer (owing to all the circus acts of the famous book) in big S. Prostitution (hereafter referred as P) is considered to be one of the oldest profession (despite the shame it brought to womanhood) and in Netherlands it’s legal. Anyone can open a P counter by following certain rules.

De wallen is perhaps best known red light districts of all. It’s one of the oldest parts and also the centre of the city. We walked through the alleys which had numerous tiny one room cabins. Most part of the room is visible through big glass window. Some of them had blinds and a busy signal above the door. The girls stood there waving and calling the passerby crowed. The cabins mostly had neon or red lights and it illuminated the little they wore. The alleys are crossed by several canals and it seemed to hold hundreds of cabins.

Invariably all alleys had one or more of a eatery, bar, Big S-Shop, Big S movie theatre. The weird part is it has already become a tourist destination, we saw good amount of crowd, locals and foreigners, friends and families walking by the cabins as if they are garment stores. In weird way people actually window shopped and they looked like Barbie dolls packed in fancy little boxes.

R told me many facts about the place as we walked. Taking photos of cabins is strictly banned it can get you more trouble than you can imagine. Beware of pick–pocketers, I was nearly robbed by a huge drunken guy, thankfully R warned me at the right time. It’s better to go in group or at least in twos to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Some of them might try to sell you drugs, it’s better to avoid talking to strangers. The bars here offer sheesha pipes if you really want to try. More than all don't visit this place first; it may give you wrong impression of beautiful Amsterdam.

To be honest I felt bad for them. I don't think it’s like any other job, I mean how lousy it would feel to be sitting/standing there in most awkward position luring passerby, trying to earn few bucks? Anyone who read “eleven minutes” of Coelho would know how pathetic their life is. Even scholars believe that, without P many chaos based on lust would prevail in the society. I fail to understand why

Looks familiar ?

We went to a restaurant called Kama sutra with elegant paintings. We had red wine and delicious naan and vegetable curry, it was the tastiest Indian food I have eaten during the entire trip. The non-Indian waiters here are polite, friendly and always smiley. If you happen to visit Amsterdam try this place, it’s very close to central station.

Right then I had the most fun the night has to offer; R suggested visiting Big S museum and it sounded so funny. I have seen/heard about museums for history, trains, and even for bones, but never happen to come across one for Big S. The main hall invited us with this statue and few Indian exhibits.

Mata hari was dancing for us in the next section. Mata hari is stage name of an exotic dancer called “Margaretha Geertruida”. She was a contemporary dancer of Isadora Duncan who captivated audience with her special costumes and so called sacred Indian dance. She was highly influential lady during World War 1, was accused of spying Germany and executed by firing squad. Many things about her including the accusations remains unsolved.

Mata hari, the exotic dancer

Some of the sections had photographs while some had robotic exhibits performing various Big S acts. At one point I started laughing at the funny noises and movements they made.

The first floor had Marilyn Monroe but her skirt did not fly.

Thats my friend R

I enjoyed this section,it shed light on history and evolvement of Big S from Adam eve to till date.

I understand P and Big S can create so many arguments with different dimension. So here is my take on this, according to me Big S should be as natural as sunset or waterfall and can only be shared with the person you love. This trip made me realise that my travel isn’t complete without my love by my side.

Blame it on the mood of the night