THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT

One must go and so go we did. 

Amsterdam's oldest neighborhood has hosted the world's oldest profession ever since the city's inception in the 13th century.

It is said that the term "Red Light" dates to the late 19th century and originated with the early railroaders.  The men carried red laterns when they left the train so they could be found in case of emergency.  These lanterns were left outside bordellos when the men paid them a visit and were sometimes brought inside and placed in a window.  Later the red lights came to signify a bordello.

In 2000 prostitution was legalized and regulated in Amsterdam but not strictly legal.  Ironically legalized  prostitution  also brought a greater influence of organized crime.  Since 2000 the city has waged an effort to remove organized crime from the sex business.

Today Amsterdam's approximately 8,000 prostitutes are taxed on their earnings and provided health insurance.  However human trafficking is still a serious problem that the city must address.  

There are uniformed and undercover police, and surveillance camera throughout the RLD.

You've got to love this!

You can see the right light.This is usually above a floor length window and young and I guess old girls display their wares - usually in bikini's.

 Just a little street humor but probably a wise store to have in the district.

Who knew they came in such a variety of colors and designs.  Oh! you did.

And of course - sex shops that sold an assortment of "things".

I think this is in French - the language of love.

There is also a Sex Museum which is located on four floors of one the buildings in the District.  I'm not sure if our museum card will work for that one.  I do't think it worked for the 

Erotica Museum either.  

Of  course lots of "coffee shops" and shops that sell canibus and asorted pipes, etc.  Have you ever seen such a large store for these product?  One could spend hours there just looking at the assortment.  

This is what one would call an eye catching window display!

So much for our night out in the Red LIght Distrit.  It is a lively area - lots of tourists just looking to see what it is.  Been there, done that.