Being in Amsterdam made me realize something. There is a whole different world where my values as a conservative do not apply. The level of deviance that is tolerated there is high.
Vices that you would get hanged for in my country are so widely available here. It's just like going down to your local pharmacy (or in this case "Coffee Shop") to get yourself a packet of paracetamol.
Fast Fact No.1 : The Netherlands is the first country to constitute Gay marriage.
Fast Fact No 2: Marijuana/ Mushrooms is Legal and widely available
Fast Fact No 3: Prostitution is legal. (and very open eg: The infamous "fish tanks" of the red light district.)
These facts made me think that this place is got to be crazy, scary and possibly dangerous! In fact it is much safer than my home country.
People there are normal and I had no case of the jitters whatsoever even when I walk through an alley at night. I'd probably be risking life and limb if I were to walk through a dark alley back at home.
Well I am glad and grateful that I am not stuck in a box from nine to five. It is liberating to know that I may wake up in one place and go to bed in another part of the world, soaking up in the many cultures of the world.
PS: If you are ever in Amsterdam, try the Ribs at this place called Castelle's (picture above) . Its got a pretty neat fire place too.
This is Daniel Signing off for now.
