I have just returned from a few days in Europe. A 50th birthday trip to Amsterdam with Mrs. E as it happens. We won't go into the sordid details, suffice to say that my brother suggested there were three things worth doing in the city and asked which I did. A, B and C was the reply. Now, C is a boat trip, the rest? Hell - go figure!
Anyway, the point is that leaving the UK, we were thoroughly searched, had a bottle of mouthwash confiscated, even though there was only 50mls in it (which you could clearly see) and were generally made to feel intimidated by the police officers at customs (at least at Bristol they don't carry automatic weapons like at Stanstead!)
Arriving at Schipol we just walked straight out of the airport - no checks of any kind - it felt very odd!
Whilst resident in the port of Amsterdam, although the police were very evident (we were staying in the red light district) they took a real 'softly softly' approach some even dishing out minor reprimands between tokes from huge spliffs (I kid you not!)
Returning to Schipol we are a little worried about customs as we have bought gifts for the offspring, which include fluids (cherry beer and Absinthe) and a bag of marijuana teabags for the eldest, who likes to keep it nice and organic. So we decide to stash them in the bags and go for it anyway - if they get confiscated, well that's a lesson learned. Guess what? Hardly any security at all apart from a quick wizz through a scanner and a grinning passport officer who is more interested in Cath's surname (MulHOLLAND) than our passports. And not a police officer in sight.
Now, some may call me cynical and some may even think I am misguided, but could this difference in approach to security have anything to do with the UK being a massive target for international terrorism due to having it's collective cock wedged firmly up the festering arsehole of Amerikkka, whilst the gentle Dutch don't do wars and generally have a good time?
Answers on a postcard to the usual address please.
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