Going Dutch

Amsterdam is a haven for the persecuted smoker. James Leavey indulged himself

Amsterdam’s unique shape – the half moon of the canal ring – was created in the 17th century when the Netherland’s capital was noted, as it still is, for its freedom of expression.

It was at this time that the city first became an important haven for the persecuted, such as Huguenots and other dissenters, who all settled there, and prospered. It has also long been one of the most smoker-friendly cities in the world. Not just of tobacco either.

Today, this former medieval fishing village at the mouth of the Amstel river is one of the major ports and commercial centres of Europe. It was built on about 100 islands separated by the canals for which it is famous.

Amsterdam’s tolerance and openmindedness extends to legalised prostitution and the soft drugs on sale in some of its coffee shops but there’s far more to this easygoing city than tobacco, sex and marijuana. There are around 40 museums including the Rijksmuseum – which features famous works by Dutch masters: Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals, and the Vincent Van Gogh Museum. Then there’s Anne Frank’s house, the tulip market, Edam cheese rolling, Dutch gin, wooden clogs, more than 220 stages (theatres, jazz clubs etc), delicious chocolate, fine tea, wholesome and fortifying food including Indonesian cuisine, seven windmills and more than 500,000 bicycles.

During an evening canal cruise, I asked the waiter if Amsterdam was still tolerant towards smokers.

“The only thing we are intolerant of,” he replied while firing up .....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By James Leavey

Section : Market Watch

Page number : 18

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 8 on 20/05/2006.

This article is 74 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



	Home Magazine News Store Tastings Brands Legislation Glossary Links Contact
	Going Dutch Amsterdam is a haven for the persecuted smoker. James Leavey indulged himself Amsterdam’s unique shape – the half moon of the canal ring – was created in the 17th century when the Netherland’s capital was noted, as it still is, for its freedom of expression. It was at this time that the city first became an important haven for the persecuted, such as Huguenots and other dissenters, who all settled there, and prospered. It has also long been one of the most smoker-friendly cities in the world. Not just of tobacco either. Today, this former medieval fishing village at the mouth of the Amstel river is one of the major ports and commercial centres of Europe. It was built on about 100 islands separated by the canals for which it is famous. Amsterdam’s tolerance and openmindedness extends to legalised prostitution and the soft drugs on sale in some of its coffee shops but there’s far more to this easygoing city than tobacco, sex and marijuana. There are around 40 museums including the Rijksmuseum – which features famous works by Dutch masters: Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals, and the Vincent Van Gogh Museum. Then there’s Anne Frank’s house, the tulip market, Edam cheese rolling, Dutch gin, wooden clogs, more than 220 stages (theatres, jazz clubs etc), delicious chocolate, fine tea, wholesome and fortifying food including Indonesian cuisine, seven windmills and more than 500,000 bicycles. During an evening canal cruise, I asked the waiter if Amsterdam was still tolerant towards smokers. “The only thing we are intolerant of,” he replied while firing up ..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By James Leavey Section : Market Watch Page number : 18 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 8 on 20/05/2006. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 74 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2012. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.