Me and a few friends are returning for our yearly pilgrimage to the liberalist mecca that is Amsterdam. I was doing a bit of googling the other night and i figured out that the day we arrive in the Dam coincides with the begining of the Amsterdam Gay Pride Festival 2004; Now I'm not homophobic, im just not in the mood for a gay carnival if you understand what I'm saying. This all really wouldnt be an issue, however we are staying in the Meeting Point Hostel at the top of Waremostratt (sp?) just beside places like the Stablemaster etc..., I've never been to Amsterdam during the Pride so I dont really know how much it will effect the trip. Does anyone have any idea what the situation will be, does everything grind to a standstill for street parties? or can we just escape over to Damrak etc... Replys really would be appreciated guys cheers
Hehehe.. you'll be in for a blast, 'cause this years goal was to get more nude.. the organisation stated that there will be exotic dancers and even a darkroom on one of the boats. No explicit sex though. For full information check: http://www.dan-rollo.com/nighttours/agenda/gaypride.php and... 'escaping over to the Damrak'? That is even on a normal day one of the most busy places so... what were you thinking!! The Warmoesstraat is very close to central station and practically in the middle of the redlight district.. And again.. 'Damrak'?.. hehehehe.. funny
Why would that be? The gay parade thingie will actracked a LOT of homosexuals (male and female) to Amsterdam and since the Dam is a very touristic spot, I don't see why there would be only 'normal' tourists.. I do think however, that the flamboyant and naked-style of dressing of the parade itself won't be extremely noticable there.. You say you're not homofobic, but you sure sound like it. What's the problem of being somewhere where there might be gays as well? Are you afraid they all start flirting with you? That sounds like fear to me. I'm not a lesbian but I'm flatterd if a person shows interest, male or female.. it's a compliment, but it doesn't mean you have to bend over and get out the lube! If you really want to avoid gay people, here's a suggestion: next time plan your vacation more carefull! Since that's not an option anymore, why don't you go for a daytrip to a pitoresque village nearby, like Volendam or something? Then you can avoid Amsterdam that day completely.
I'm bi as a matter of fact, but also being quite a mellow fellow I like to keep the theatrics to a minimum (well, as minimal as the theatrics get in Amsterdam ) I would feel the same way if this festival had any other theme. Its people not gays that i dislike, but now that you mention it i do have a distaste for campness, flamboyancy and general tom foolery
