Jackie, you are an absolute delight . . . refreshing, open, honest, mature. Georgetown is going to love you! You already think like a Jesuit. Looking forward to reading more insightful thoughts from you. Happy & safe travels!

Posted by: Audrey in Keizer, OR - Jun 30, 2008 3:27 PM

Enjoy reading your blog. A few reasons why you may not want to legalize prostitution would be: 1. More women and men would do it which might actually result in more people being harmed from bodily injury and STDs. The rates of crime may go down but the numbers of people affected by bad stuff may go up. 2. If you are concerned about some number of women today who are treated as objects. If you legalize won't more women then be treated as objects? It's not an easy question. For me the question boils down to one of consent. There are too many laws on the books that make things hard on consenting adults.

Posted by: F - Jul 01, 2008 9:19 AM

I think that legalizing weed would be better than legalizing prostitution. Outside of considering any laws in one's own country, prostitution is a nasty, morally corrupt thing to do, in my opinion. On the contrary, smoking 'marijuana' doesn't hurt anyone. The US is wasting billions of dollars to fight and prevent marijuana use, which is no worse than alchohol. I don't get it. Hopefully, we will wisen up soon.

Posted by: Eric - Jul 01, 2008 1:07 PM

Thanks for blogging your trip Jackie, I'll be a newbie in Europe soon, and all Rick's services are fantastic, but it's still a lesson on things a "first timer" (in a sense) learns that are unique. e.g. You being separated by the train => good idea that my soon-to-be-wife and I are independant of eachother for moneybelt, tickets, itineraries etc. rather than like a dependant when your family previously took care of some of that stuff for you.

Posted by: David - Jul 02, 2008 3:25 AM

Jackie, your a chip off the old block. Love you blog. However I think to many people worry about offending someone with their conviction. If you are opposed to prostitution just say so, please don't apologise. If more people stood up for what they believe in the world would be a better place.

Posted by: Ann - Jul 02, 2008 12:42 PM

Jackie, I found your reflections on Amsterdam to be very similar to my own experience there. I also found it to be a city that would be great to live in and raise a family in. I thought everything was extremely accessible. Hope your are having fun!

Posted by: Erica - Jul 08, 2008 3:44 PM

Jackie, I am enjoying your writing style and your voice. You are very insightful, reflective and articulate and I am glad you are sharing your experiences.

Posted by: swisspix - Jul 10, 2008 5:55 PM

Hi Jackie. I enjoy your writing style. Would you consider adding more photos for these exciting destinations?

Posted by: Dave - Jul 11, 2008 5:07 AM

Jackie, you're certainly asking all the right questions. And contrary to another commenter's opinions, apologizing for your convictions is just a way to realize that a conviction is a PERSONAL thing and should not be treated as a railroad tie slammed into the train track of life. Right now we're fighting a war in the middle east because people on both sides are trying to cram personal conviction down the throats of others who come from vastly different backgrounds with vastly different worldviews and values. So I guess I'll agree that it's not necessary to apologize. But the world will NOT be a better place if people feel that it's necessary to conform others' to their personal convictions. Keep the very thoughtful retrospection coming!!!

Posted by: Jarrod - Jul 11, 2008 5:59 AM

Your writing and critical thinking skills are impressive. And we appreciate your sharing this experience with us. I found your factoids about marijuana fascinating. Amsterdam appears to be ambivalent about it; they are tolerant of marijuana use, but even they want limits. If its so harmless, why is it still illegal? Some see prostitution as society objectifying women but not men. Another way to look at it is that there is not much market for male prostitutes; women don't have to pay for it, we're too awesome. There is your supply and demand. However it's disturbing when a woman feels that selling herself that way is her best option.

Posted by: Monique - Jul 11, 2008 6:42 AM

Happy Graduation Travels to you! What a memorable experience. I appreciate all your thoughts, but wanted to mention that a lot of the women in Amsterdam are not there by choice. Many of them were tricked into being there to provide for their families. They can't get out and desperately want to be home with their families.

Posted by: Anna - Jul 11, 2008 8:32 AM

Both the marijuana and the prostitution issues are very complex. Seeing a different kind of acceptance in a culture not much different than ours is a learning experience that should generate questions. I apreciate your thoughtfulness.

Posted by: Chelle - Jul 11, 2008 8:55 AM

Jackie, your comments about prostitution in Amsterdam are interesting. You are definitely raising very good points, especially the one about there being only female prostitutes. I think that is because women operate very differently than men; I have a hard time imagining a woman window-shopping for a male prostitute! Women on those windows are trying to attract men, and that works for them. Male prostitutes on the other hand, probably have other ways to advertise their services in mediums that appeal better to women. Prostitution is the “world's oldest profession”, it is about time society creates some laws to protect those who choose this path in life.

Posted by: Marisa - Jul 11, 2008 10:47 AM

Hi Jackie, Keep asking questions. I just completed Barack Obamas book, Dreams from my Father. When he wrote the book, I think he was in his late twenties, early thirties and I was enlightened by the quantity of questions he asked. Black/white, poor/wealthy, faith/or no faith, US/African, Political or not. I see you are doing the same. Questions create conversation and debate and allow us to see others perspectives. Allow us to listen to others needs. Glory to open minds and open markets. Jason

Posted by: Jason - Jul 11, 2008 11:46 AM

interesting that you added your impressions of prostitution to this post. I work with the juvenile population involved in this industry in the NW part of the States... the racial disparity/price consistent pretty much wherever you go...and an interesting thought on legalization... Think of the labor laws in the states...would it be an improvement to do that type of work for nine hours a day...with two fifteen minute breaks and a lunch hour. Sadly legalization doesn't always improve how these women are treated. There is also a contrary argument that as adults...women prostitutes have a choice--another interesting point to ponder. hope you enjoy your travels! : )

Posted by: deb - Jul 11, 2008 2:16 PM

Jackie, I think that it's great that you have taken the time to broaden your horizons by traveling! Your insights and concerns have made you more sophisticated than I ever was at your age! I have been to Amsterdam many times. Unfortunately, I disagree with you on th subject of no male prostitutes and the lower price that are being charged by African women. It is not based on gender nor ethnicity, but supply and demand. In my many conversations with the Dutch people who live there, they have said that once there were a few male prostitutes in the windows. unfortunately for them, they did not attract any clients, thus having abandon this location. As far as the African women, in my trips through the Red Light District, I observed that the prostitutes from Africa were simply not attracting much clients. Thus, lowering their prices makes sense. Clients who do not choose to partake in their services are not racist, but just have different preferences. I believe that Amsterdam is headed in the right direction on prostitution. They put safety for all as the top concern, rather continuing with a inflexible and puritanical attitude.

Posted by: KS - Jul 11, 2008 9:52 PM

I'm far too romantic a person to ever go to a prostitute and I gave up grass in my 20's. However, in Nevada, prostitution is legal. It is clean and safe as in free of STD's. The girls are safe...as in not getting beaten up. This is because it is regulated for the safety of all. The girls make between $750 and $3000 a day. From what I understand, these girls make a choice due to the high pay. I also understand - contrary to popular opinion - the girls don't come from abusive pasts. It is simply a business decision. Again, it's not my choice, but I know anytime we outlaw something, it doesn't go away...it goes underground. This means it is not safe and clean anymore, girls will get beat up and it fosters a violent, criminal underworld...that our kids, friends and family then come into contact with as they seek their illegal pleasures. So then we have STD's being spread in the family. And when your kids get mixed up with criminals, what else are they going to get mixed up in? Seems like a fairly easy choice to me. Pot? Hey, it is certainly no worse than alcohol and doesn't make you violent like alcohol. The legality argument? See above. Same reasons as prostitution.

Posted by: Terry - Jul 12, 2008 12:03 PM

I was caught off guard by the openness of prostitution in Prague - not my taste but I am also a student of how prostitution in the past, pagan days was actually sometimes connected with religious temples, and also that for some people, this is the only viable work alternative that they can pursue to address finances. Compared to even fifty years ago where a working woman in the general workforce was a relative rarity, the choice of prostitution as a way to get by. Prostitution by women not having other resources is also noted in biblical times, but obviously not with favour over the choice - as though it was really much of an option. The Red Light District is an area where women are probably safer, and more personally able to choose this vocation. It is the sex industry fed by women largely kidnapped from other countries - particularly Eastern Europe - that deserves primary attention. I would not encourage prostitution as a choice of work for anyone, but my primary issue would be those that prey on the safety and potential criminality of prostitutes far more than the victims of the circumstance - the sex workers themselves. As an aside, I noted more signs of male prostitution in Prague, but I've probably seen still more proportionately in Toronto - all that I noted were targetting the gay male community.

Posted by: Mark - Jul 12, 2008 7:27 PM

Jackie, I grew up as a child of the 70s. My heart broke watching my my loved ones who lived a libertine lifetstyle turn out poorly. Because of the pain their life caused them, I made better choices. Because you are Catholic I would suggest that you read Humane Vitale, written in 1967. It explains the Catholic view that sex is for the awesome responsiblity of creating life, and not a mere amusement, and that reducing sex to an amusement reduces all women to prostitutes. The Pope was right in all he forsaw.

Posted by: Grizzly Bear Mom - Jul 15, 2008 5:29 PM

Jackie, I grew up as a child of the 70s. My heart broke watching my my loved ones who lived a libertine lifetstyle turn out poorly. Because of the pain their life caused them, I made better choices. Because you are Catholic I would suggest that you read Humane Vitale, written in 1967. It explains the Catholic view that sex is for the awesome responsiblity of creating life, and not a mere amusement, and that reducing sex to an amusement reduces all women to prostitutes. The Pope was right in all he forsaw.

Posted by: Grizzly Bear Mom - Jul 15, 2008 5:29 PM

The fact that there are no male prostitutes is easilty explained. A woman can easily find a man who is willing to have sex with her for free. A man has a much more difficult time finding such an agreeable woman.

Posted by: Jason - Oct 21, 2008 10:59 AM

I love amsterdam. I lived thier 4 years and fucked nearly 150 hookers. Its great to dream about fucking a nice hot blonde and then shopping for one and fucking her in the red light district. Women play too many fucking games with men so why not pay for sex with a model.

Posted by: Kevin - Nov 19, 2008 9:50 AM

Jackie, Welcome to DC! I work near the White HOuse. I'm the person who recommend you read Humane Vitale. Sunday February ?16? on MSNBC there will be a program on human traffiking. It may change your mind about prostitution. So should reading some of the things people wrote on your blog, yuck! By the way, I was impressed after reading your Moroccan blog. I hope you continued to be intentional, and not conformist in your lifestyle.

Posted by: Grizzly Bear Mom - Feb 09, 2009 8:39 AM