Walking through the streets of Amsterdam, where marihuana is legal and shops abound.

Walking through the streets of Amsterdam, where marihuana is legal and shops abound. For us Latinos, marijuana is still taboo, as it is rarely seen, or is frowned upon by our society to see vagrants and thugs smoking a joint on the street..

Walking through the streets of Amsterdam, the city exudes an air of freedom and curiosity that seems to permeate every corner. Since marijuana was legalized here in 2000, it is normal to sell and consume these substances in cafes and bars. The colorful facades of the cafes display eye-catching signs, and people walk by with easy laughter, as if sharing a secret between cobblestone streets and bridges that reflect the afternoon light. There are also public places where they are prohibited, as it is a very busy outdoor area. On every corner, curiosity turns into conversation: tourists with cameras, locals with stories, and musicians who add a soft soundtrack to the comings and goings of bicycles, among other observations made as you walk through the streets of the city center..

The shops, with their mix of aromas and colors, resemble mini museums of different experiences. For most people who come here, it's mainly to consume these types of substances, as it's completely legal to do so, but they can only sell you 5 grams, no more than that. In many places, they sell packages of something that, for many, is just a way to relax: you can find everything from small boards with 5-gram offerings to more elaborate tastings..

It can be sold to you in food or in joints, or even fresh from the establishment's own farm. Everything is visible, accessible, and, for many, part of the tourist experience. For me, who is allergic to smells, it was a real nightmare because I don't like the smell and can't stand it. The atmosphere is relaxed: no one rushes, no one judges, you just come here to have a good time and relax while smoking a good joint. .

The only thing shared is the experience of exploring personal limits and understanding the different versions of “normal” in a city that embraces diversity. Here, there are many who go overboard trying everything, and it is normal to see intoxicated people on the streets who have overdosed. That is the worst thing that can happen to anyone here..

Between the display cases and half-open doors, you can hear comments about nearby places to try a cup of coffee, take a boat ride through the canals, or visit a neighborhood market. All of this can be done during the day, as in my next post I will talk about prostitution on the streets, which I was able to see and visit. Bicycles whiz by, cafes buzz with conversations about art and music, and the sky is painted with warm tones at sunset..

It is also very hot due to the humidity of the place, reaching around 33 degrees. It's too hot for my liking. Walkers and residents pass each other with a smile, as if the city reminds them that here, freedom takes the form of curiosity. Here, everyone smiles and is cheerful and very friendly, always willing to help you, open to new experiences, and respectful of everyone's decisions. Here, no one judges anyone else for what they do or say in their lives. It's a “viva la vida loca” kind of place, like Ricky Martin's song..

At the end of the day, the city feels smaller and bigger at the same time: a community that invites you to explore, without rushing, responsibly, and above all, with a sense of shared adventure. Here you can explore the whole of central Amsterdam in a single day to see its streets and its people, plus its vices, out in the open and completely legally..