We in the Red Light District

Yes, I'm currently hanging out in the prostitution capital of the world, and yes, that is a picture of a church.

May seem out of place at first, but a short history lesson makes it surprisingly logical.

Prostitution was a natural development for the city of Amsterdam mainly because it was a hub for ships. This caused two things -- an influx of men on long trips who hadn't seen women in a while, and women searching for a way to make money while their husbands were off on treacherous journeys.

Aka the perfect recipe for selling sex. The church was then necessary for the sailors to be forgiven of their sins before they hopped back on the dangerous boats.

Prostitution is now legal in Amsterdam, which actually allows them to regulate it more.. Keeping things cleaner and safer.

I didn't take any pics of the actual prostitutes because apparently they have been known to throw urine on you if you do that.

In my opinion, the results were mixed. Some of the girls were hot, others were nastyyyy. Some of the little side streets have themes.. From asian to elite street (the prettiest girls of course).. There's even a street where the girls aren't actually girls...

And the lights are actually red! In case you were wondering.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry