Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: amsterdam

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Dubious distinction: World’s best places for pickpockets-29 September, 2009

Dubious distinction: World’s best places for pickpockets-29 September, 2009: "Dubious distinction: World’s best places for pickpockets

Where in the world are you most likely to be the victim of a pickpocket? Barcelona in Spain, says US-based TripAdvisor.

Rome came second, followed by Prague, Madrid, Paris, Florence, Buenos Aires, Amsterdam, Athens and Hanoi in Vietnam.

The company based its findings on the opinions of its travel editors, as well as taking into account complaints from users.

'Las Ramblas, the famous wide, pedestrian walkway full of life, music and people at all hours of the day and night, is the perfect place to get your purse poached,' said the Web site's review.

The narrow alleyways in the city's historic centre have attracted pickpockets, muggers and drug-dealers for years.

Las Ramblas, one of the world's most famous boulevards, has also recently gained a reputation as a magnet for street prostitutes.

By David Wilkening"

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Everyone's gay in Amsterdam-16 July, 2009

Everyone's gay in Amsterdam

The Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC) unveiled its new slogan that is not necessarily aimed at gays. Tourism officials say “Everyone’s Gay in Amsterdam” is targeted at all segments of the market.

“The new campaign was intentionally designed to capture the all-inclusive and welcoming vibe of the city of Amsterdam, rather than focusing on gay stereotypes or sexualized images,” said the NBTC.

North America is the number four market for Holland in terms of tourism arrivals. The country represents about 9% of all global arrivals (or about ten million arrivals year, says a spokeswoman.

“Amsterdam has always been well-known for its liberalism and open-mindedness,” said Conrad van Tiggelen, Director, North America for the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions. He added:

“With our new marketing campaign, ‘Everyone’s Gay in Amsterdam,’ our hope is to continue to promote the city’s unique sense of openness and inclusivity that resonates with any visitor to Holland.”

The new print campaign will appear in Here Media’s Out and The Advocate magazines’ August issues, available this month.

The multi-platform campaign with Here Media will include digital content and custom webisodes highlighting Amsterdam on OutTraveler.com, a half-hour travel special on here! Networks featuring Amsterdam, and a series of events co-hosted by the NBTC and Here Media in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

In addition, the NBTC has also launched a new microsite, www.us.holland.com/everyonesgay.

Report by David Wilkening

They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.