We arrived at the hotel on Sunday afternoon, everyone was eager to get out and explore Amsterdam. As a group, we walked to the centre of the town to grasp an understanding of the area; from this point on it was clear to see Amsterdam thrives from the tourist community.

As this was my first visit to Amsterdam, I didn’t really know what to expect. when walking through the town I became mesmerised by the amount of coffee shops and bars throughout. The centre is full of culture and stunning scenery.

In my group, we decided to go explore the red light district as we had never seen it before and we were intrigued as to what it would look like. When walking through the area it was clear to see the women in these windows were in full control over the clients, they had the power to refuse business, choose their clients and who they engage with. This actually came as a bit of a shock to me. Previous to seeing this I was under the impression, from people who have previously been and the general stereotypes of sex workers in Amsterdam, that these women were working in the windows only as a means to support themselves financially.

The prostitute information centre tour further normalised this job, it became clear that the women were actively fighting for sex workers rights, as ‘sex work is work’. The sex work industry is thriving in Amsterdam, not just the windows but peep shows, sex shows and sex museums. It is a part of Amsterdam’s culture and is enticing for all tourists.

During the next few days in Amsterdam, as a course group we actively became engaged with the culture of Amsterdam; visiting coffee shops, nightclubs, walking through the red light district, museums, and peep shows. Reflecting on my own changing morals and behaviours, it is evident that my behaviours did change in comparison to a normal week in the UK, we were drinking alcohol everyday, engaging in the novelty of the different laws and legislations; I think it is important to recognise how the changes in the laws and culture effecting me even when on an academic trip.