Today, instead of going to Belgium as I had planned, I went further into de Wallen (English: Red Light District). My body hurt much worse than I had anticipated from my fall and I don’t think I could’ve handled all the walking I would’ve done in Belgium. All I can say about de Wallen? Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore!
I got some excellent photos and finally ate something. My appetite has been slim to none since I got here, but, I had to eat. I went to a cafe called DeliFrance which has some excellent sandwich choices. I think we could learn a few lessons in the USA from this place; portion sizes were just enough, as opposed to the out of control sizes back home.
Coming from a very conservative place like Utah, I imagine the look on my face when I saw some things in de Wallen was quite hilarious. While I have seen many of the sex toys before, never have I seen it in such a bold, in-your-face type of way. In Utah, it is all housed in the “adult only” section, which requires ID and going into a separate room. Also, I saw a shop selling marijuana seeds. It just fascinates me how, at least where I live in the USA, society oppresses all these things that the Dutch embrace.
Tomorrow is a trip to around the Holland region. I’m looking forward to getting some great photos.
Filed under: Europe, Travel | Tagged: de wallen, Europe, holiday, netherlands, Travel
Mmm drugs.
I think the look you had on your face was similar to mine the first time I set foot in that area. Even now that I’ve been there a few times and I’m “used” to it, there are still some things that shock me.
Oh I agree – and considering I come from a very conservative place – whew!