AMAZING AMSTERDAM: TEETH, TORTURE AND TOURS OF THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT by Madelyn Miller I’m a firm believer in the old adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” When traveling, I try to fly the native airline of the country I’m visiting and to stay at local hotels. So it’s not surprising that on a recent trip to Amsterdam, I flew on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and stayed at a Golden Tulip Hotel. The Dutch-based Golden Tulip chain is very well known and respected throughout Europe, but the name is not as widely recognized by Americans. The Golden Tulip Barbizon Center was a great find. Located in the very center of the cultural, shopping, and theater district, it overlooks the Leidseplein and is surrounded by restaurants, nightlife, and cafes. Well known for its world class art museums, Amsterdam also has some of the most unique museums in the world. For instance, interested in the torture museums? If you’ve had your fill of art museums, you’ll never find a more complete collection of torture and punishment instruments from the inquisition chair to the guillotine. It is the perhaps the perfect place to take your children when they are misbehaving. The Jewish Historical Museum is a combination of four former Jewish synagogues that have been transformed into the Amsterdam Jewish Museum. The permanent collection tells the story of Dutch Jewry and there is a kosher café as well as a well-stocked bookstore. The Filmmuseum is the place for film fanatics. The sumptuous Art Deco Theatre shows ancient movies. It has the world’s most complete archive of the early film industry. There is an Erotic Museum. The first floor is the best. The most popular piece is an amusing sculpture of a woman pedaling a bike that delivers a delightful bonus surprise. Nearby is The Sex Museum. Probably the most unique tour is a Behind the Scenes Tour of the Red Light District. Rob van Hulst, native and expert of the red-light district, presents the entire red-light area as a living museum, commenting on the history of the area’s development and taking you into the trendiest places. He is the only tour guide licensed for the red light district. And I know you are wondering how does a man get a job like that. Amazing Amsterdam offers things not available anywhere else in the world. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Golden Tulip Hotels:  800-344-1212 Netherlands Board of Tourism: 312-819-0300  go2holland@aol.com Erotic Tours: Rob van Hulst, Postbus 15666 1001 ND Amsterdam,  Zeedijk  34, Amsterdam   Tel 020 624 5720, Fax 0206232324 -Updated 2-2-98- Back to the Travel Lady Page