Red Light District
Well, summer has finally arrived and most people around here are thrilled to bits. No more heavy jackets, scarves and clunky boots. I'm enjoying my extended time here in south eastern Ontario, despite a few strange experiences. The weirdest to date, was that I was accused of being a "Jezebel" or "Lady of the Night," even though the incident occurred in broad daylight.
It all started, when I was waiting for my friend, so we could eat lunch at a local restaurant. I thought I'd read a book on an innocent looking bench under a shade tree, in this picturesque area. Why not eh? However, I made the mistake of sitting on the wrong bench at the wrong time.
An "overly" informed resident (wink-wink) propositioned me directly! I asked, "Since when do prostitutes sit with their heads buried in a book, wearing running shoes and casual jeans?" I had always assumed it was open body language, heavy makeup, spiked heals and mini skirts. Anyhow, needless to say, I told this dude that he was confused about something.
This fellow then divulged to me that the "working girls" sat on these benches and sold their wares during the day. That, despite the fact that the area and the benches are clean, surrounded by trees, and located directly across from the most famous theatre in town. Besides that, they are right beside a senior citizens building!
So, I guess you could call this the "Red Light District" of the city, even though it doesn't look seedy, and there are none of the traditional, tell-tale signs like graffiti and run down buildings. I'm not really judging these people, as I know that trying times and circumstances can send people in all kinds of unorthodox directions. But it's nice to know, what's going on in the city. I was a bit insulted, and I'm sure many other naive tourists would be too. So, the moral of the story is don't judge a book by its cover, and don't dare to sit on the benches!
Speaking of which, if you wish to take a walk on the wild side, or at least be a fly on a wall, and you're in Copenhagen, how about heading down Istedgade Street, in the area of Vesterbro, close to the train station. I guess you could call this Copenhagen's "Red Light District." Here you'll see quite the cast of characters.
Actually, it might not be as bad as it seems. I was there one night alone, on my way to help out on a film and it was dark. Not a wise choice, that I didn't think through beforehand, until I was in the thick of it. I didn't really know where I was going, but I have to tell you the people I met along the way were some of the most helpful and concerned there. I actually felt safe and found the area for the most part, refreshingly trendy and hip.
