Chapter 6 Pt. 2: CROMPTON AFFAIR Pt2
Having breakfasted in their room, by 11.00 a.m. Edward and Isabel were ready to place themselves at the disposal of their hosts.
On the stroke of 11.00, Pieter and Giselle van Doorne entered the foyer. Edward knew Pieter van Doorne and the ladies were quickly introduced to the men folk and each other. Mrs van Doorne (call me Giselle) was to take Isabel on a tour of Amsterdam and everyone agreed to meet at the hotel by 4.00 pm. In the evening there was to be a small dinner party at the van Dourne's.
Although Amsterdam is a network of canals, the large cruising canal boats left from just opposite Centraal Station,(the railroad depot) and on being asked Isabel elected to travel down by tram.
On the way down just before crossing the large canal to the station Isabel noticed streets off to the left and the right with international sign for "NO ENTRY" but with children superimposed on the sign. On asking what they meant Giselle informed her that to children and underage teenagers the streets were out of bounds. Apparently the Red Light district where prostitutes actually displayed themselves in the windows, sex shops for books magazines and videos, Adult porno cinemas, Porno night clubs where live sex could be viewed, shops selling lingerie to titillate the most jaded palette together with adult 'toys'. They were all in the area out of bounds to minors. Although the Dutch authorities accepted pornography and had legalized the videos, shows and cinemas, anyone seen with a minor in the area would be arrested. The police frequently patrolled Giselle told her.
The journey through the canals was extremely interesting. Bulb fields were visited as also was a large open air museum dedicated to the second world war. Isabel was interested, she told Giselle that she had been engaged to a paratrooper who had been killed at Arnhem.
After an excellent luncheon during which they had enjoyed several 'Geneva's' the strong Dutch gin, as well as wine with their meal the two women chatted as though they had known each other for years. Eventually Isabel asked about the Adult Area, had Giselle ever visited it.
"Oh yes, goodness me, not only is it an education to watch the women trying to attract the men, and women I must add," Giselle said," If one wants that item of lingerie to remind ones husband that he is red blooded and you are available, that is where to buy it. You must get Edward to take you."