Gay Amsterdam, Netherlands (Holland)

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If you are doing the gay whilwind tour of Europe, then Amsterdam is a must-see stop on your itinerary.  Famous for its tolerance of many behaviors, Amsterdam is exceedingly blase` about sexual orientation.  It is a total "non-issue."

Interestingly the Dutch tend to be quite conservative in their personal lives.  They are often very religious, and religion plays in integral part of the political system of the Netherlands.  However, they couple that with a spirit that dictates that they not judge others and that they certainly keep government out of the personal lives of citizens and visitors alike.  These attitudes extend to sex, drugs and rock and roll.

The infamous Red Light District, which seems to give many outsiders a skewed view of the city, is tightly regulated, heavily patrolled and one of the safest neighborhoods one could experience.  The specially licensed coffee houses that offer a variety of smokeable substances along with the coffee, are typically non-intrusive parts of their little communities.  And, yes, there are approved sex shows in certain clubs, but audience participation is strictly prohibited.

The Dutch cuisine is hearty fare, with few of the nuances that mark the dishes of those cultures from a little farther south on the continent.  It is one of the few places in Europe where an American (or a Brit, for that matter) can find a diverse and filling breakfast.  In my view, the major saving grace of a Dutch menu is the influence of Southeast Asian appetites, due to the Dutch colonial past in Indonesia.

Some of the world's greatest art graces the Netherlands capital city.  Consequently, I urge you to return from your bar hopping early enough a couple nights so that you can get an early start the next morning to bathe in the magnificence of the Dutch masters and Van Gough.  In my opinion, it is the greatest city for art lovers with the possible exception of Paris and, of course, Florence.

Day trips are easy with Amsterdam as your base.  Trains can reach every corner of the country within a few minute to a couple hours, and connecting busses can take you into the smaller communities.  Travel is clean, efficient, comfortable and fast.

Most Dutch are multi-lingual, and it is relatively easy to find a common language, so take the time to get to know these charming people.  This is especially true in Amsterdam and The Hague, where most are quite fluent in English.  Anywhere in the country, though, you'll find people who will work with you to achieve a vocabulary that allows at least the most essential of conversation.

By all means, you must visit the Homomonument, located near another must see attraction, Anne Frank's house.  This monument remembers the past, recognizes the present and anticipates the hope of the future for all non-straight people.  It is a part of the city that, by its very presence, celebrates the rights and obligations of all gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people.  Here is a link to the English version of a brochure about the Homomonument.

If you have not travelled much beyond your own borders, Amsterdam makes an ideal first stop on your exploration of other cultures.

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