I still agree with Patrick

I too agree with Patrick.

While I responded that there was plenty to do and see in AMS and not come into contact with the "seedy" side of the city - I had been expecting to read in the original post something about kids or teenagers, not adults, regardless the ages.

It's almost like referring to New York City and talking about Times Square before the city "gentrified" (rather mall-ized and franchised) the area. For the the sex shops and x-rated movie theatres BG (before gentrification) I never gave a moments thought to the so-called sleeziness of the area. No one was forcing me to look or go inside these establishments. In fact, most true New Yorkers dislike the "new" and would prefer the "old Times Square back."

AMS is still not so small that "families" of all ages cannot fully enjoy!

I didn't think everret's posting title was strange nor did I think it odd to see his family members ranged in age from 24 to 55.

What I do find funny is the thought that you would be "distant" from your parents unless you could feel "okay" with jointly strolling amongest whores in a red light district.

I'm real close to Big Daddy, but we sure don't go bar hopping or looking for wild times together. But then, each family has its own story to tell.

OK, I stand corrected on the idea that most people don't think about kids when they see "family friendly".

I guess when most people see a movie, restaurant, or attraction advertised as appropriate for families, they immediately think of all adult families, not those with children. I guess I'm one of the few people who would see that and assume they mean it is appropriate for children. Must just be a quirk I have.

I apologize if my comments offended.

"In fact, most true New Yorkers dislike the 'new' and would prefer the 'old Times Square back.'"

Oh sandi, please tell me you're kidding and you DON'T live in NYC. I don't know a single New Yorker, true or not, who longs for the old Times Square. Thank you, Rudy, et al.

I wouldn't worry about awkwardness, even in the Red Light district. I walked all through that area, and was not offened or distracted. Amsterdam is not my favorite city, but there is tons of culture & history that will keep you occupied without having to venture near the "seedier" areas. I would not at all hesitate to go. Enjoy!!

everret,
I think Amsterdam is very family friendly. I spent 4 days there in Sept 2002 and saw nothing of the sex/drug scene, even though I was in part of the red light district on one occassion, visiting the Amstelkring Museum.
I stayed at the Ambassade Hotel and walked everywhere from there. I did look at the Canal House and Esthera but thought they were too expensive. For me, anyway.
You should enjoy Amsterdam. It is a very easy city to get around and there is a wealth of artistic history there.
ciao.

NYCFoodSnob -

>>"In fact, most true New Yorkers dislike the 'new' and would prefer the 'old Times Square back.'"

Oh sandi, please tell me you're kidding and you DON'T live in NYC. I don't know a single New Yorker, true or not, who longs for the old Times Square. Thank you, Rudy, et al.<<

Yes, I do live in NYC, and admit it's nice to have the new buildings and the AMC theatre there - but most of us hate the "mall-type" environment and franchise stores, which make Times Square seem more like Disney Land - we hate it! The revitilization of Times Square was underway before Rudy even thought to run for office, so he get's very little of the credit.

As to Rudy - "glad he's gone"

Chat,
I would take my Mom to the RLD. She is a mature woman who would find it interesting to see it up-close and personal. We all know it exists everywhere in the world. Yet in Amsterdam it is legal and you can walk right by the ladies. I dont want this email deleted so no one jump on me when I say that at least these gals arent being pimped out and hooked on drugs. I looked many of them in the eye. They werent sad, strung out, or forelorn. Although this is something I would never do, I respect their right to choose this.

If you dont want to see it, no matter what your age, dont go to that area.

The thread title is fine. What a dumb thing to argue about. Family members can range from age 1 to 100.

JandaO, that's your personal choice to make. If you and your mom want to spend some quality time amongst whores, then by all means go for it.

But I hope you don't believe that people who don't want to see the Red Light District are somehow not mature. I was left with that impression after reading your post.

And giving a woman the legal right to sell her body is not going to stop them from taking drugs or being depressed.

And are you sure all those working girls you saw all had bright, happy and shiny faces? A much different shift was on duty when I went.

Chat,
You wont get an arguement out of me. Of course there are many mature people who choose not to go to the RLD. It is everyones personal choice.

I walked through at all hours and didnt see anyone in dispair. Now here in Seattle I see alot of these gals in dispair. No Police protection. They are beat by pimps, strung out on God knows what, and most dont choose to be there. Just an observation.

The Dutch have found a way to make the Red Light District family friendly, especially if you go during the day, as many tour buses do. There are quaint, if odd, museums in the area, and other homages to the world's oldest profession. I would recommend embracing, not avoiding this part od A'dam.

Really it would be a shame to miss the Red Light District while you are in Amsterdam! It's really quite a place and more like the Disney World of sex rather than a crime-ridden, seedy area.

"Disney World" is pushing it a bit: it's not exactly full of Mouseketeers (but at least no-one expects to be photographed in costume with the tourists!).

In the evenings, especially at weekends, there will be groups of over-refreshed young men (often from Britain on stag weekends) shouting and blundering about, and there will be some pickpockets about. But for people with their wits about them and their minds open, it shouldn't be a problem. Even then, of course, everet's husband might not feel too comfortable gazing at a windowful of improbable pieces of pink plastic or stretchable rubber in the company of his mother-in-law....

But we really are talking about a few streets tucked away behind main streets, and coffeeshops with an easily recognisable symbol outside which are in any case likely to look less than quiet and cosy. You'd really have to seek them out. The really dangerous crime/hard drug nexus is either under control or at least well away from anywhere tourists are likely to go even by accident.