Red Light District

Like Amsterdam, Alkmaar has its own red light district. I'm not sure if every city in the Netherlands has one or if there's a certain criteria like when a city got a cathedral. My mom thought it was one of the prettier streets of the city. No pictures of the ladies working or the smiling johns as I didn't know if that was kosher or not. I've always felt the most important question when talking to a prostitute was, "What time did you start?" after "How much?"

One of the things I was wondering while walking down the red light districts both here and in Amsterdam was why there are no men in the windows. Male prostitution isn't necessarily fringe, just look at some of the sex scandals in DC. Aside from the closeted politician, I imagine men in the gay community pay for services sometimes. I also bet there's a market for divorcees and single women. It just seems a little sexist there's only service for straight men. Or do the girls also do same sex? If that's the case, then I'd file a law suit.

I personally don't like paying for sex. Not that I think it's a bad thing or immoral. I have a friend who thinks a prostitute now and then is the key to a successful marriage. As he sees it, there's no emotional baggage, no birthdays to remember, it's like masturbation but with a real women. I dunno. To each his own. I also remember times when a sure thing was needed to break a drought, if you know what I mean? The problem is the two things I like doing aren't really possible with the girls of the night.

That said. I'm glad there's one. There's a reason it's the oldest profession. Having a place for men to go blow of steam and ease their sexual frustration probably means less crime. There also aren't girls standing shoulder to shoulder on the street who reach for you butt, or is it your wallet?