Sheesh…I'm beginning to sound like I'm writing my memoirs for some old stuffy novel that will collect dust on some coffee table. Let me get into the thick of things and start this article.

Like many non-residents, I was pretty clueless about the legal and political system in the Netherlands. Before my first visit, all I knew was that a lot of things were legal there that are controversial in the United States, the most "popular" ones being same-sex marriages and marijuana usage. Oh yeah…and prostitution.
During my first visit, I learned that marijuana was more or less "tolerated" but not actually as legal as alcohol. I was rather difficult to fully understand how it worked. The purchase of marijuana is strictly confined to the "Coffee shops". It is my understanding that this was done to halt the street dealing. Contrary to popular foreign belief, the police actively crack down on drug dealers in the Netherlands. It is legal to possess only a small amount for personal use and anyone caught doing otherwise will face the law. I'm speaking only from my own observations, so if you desire more reliable legal information then I would strongly urge you to research it for yourself. (That was my little disclaimer, do not be alarmed :p)

Prostitution is tolerated and prostitutes are required to pay taxes. It's actually really neat, how it works in Amsterdam because virtually all of the prostitution appeared to be confined to the Red Light District. I may be totally wrong of course but it seemed that a child could easily be prevented from seeing anything inappropriate by steering clear of the Red Light District. Tourists flock to the city of "reckless abandon" but it's a lot more organized than we outsiders fantasize about.

Back in a little town in the province of Gelderland, I spent many an evening in early January watching political programs. At that time the Dutch people were about to have a major election to reform the government that had collapsed in 2002. (Please see respected news sites for details)
All of the programs were in Dutch so I got much practice in trying to understand, (either that or I totally got on my companions nerves for poking him for translations every five minutes even though I wasn't the one who had to go vote). I got a good look at the politicians clothing and had fun labeling them with silly names like "the cute young guy", "the Harry Potter looking guy", "the stuffy business man dude", "the cheap suit guy". Yes, I'm sure all you Dutchies will have a nice laugh about that since it's pretty obvious as to who's who.
In a nutshell the whole political system is still kind of a blur. * knows she's getting major thwapping for this * The Netherlands has a queen who is head of state and runs things. So in that case, who are these other jokers? Ok, ok I'm not that dense and of course I do know a little bit more than I'm letting on. I didn't want this to turn into a politically charged article after all the tragedy and turbulence that occurred surrounding Dutch politics last year.

I tend to admire the Dutch sense of reality. I felt a peaceful tolerance for many different lifestyles. I observed more of a "live and let live" type of attitude. Many things are tolerated, but only tolerated. If a situation gets out of hand they are dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Efficiency is vital otherwise there won't be time for another cup of coffee. :p

That's all for this time folks. I do believe it's about time for me to take another road trip so that memories stay fresh. Doei!