Amsterdam is known the world over for two things: its canals and its red light distinct. Oh and its coffee shops which are really pot shops. I visited all three Sunday as listings editor Alex MeCune and I make our way across Europe for a well-deserved break. I hadn’t been here in nearly a decade, but quickly gained my bearings as we made our way around this storied European city.
I love the serendipity of a vacation. On this day, we started with a 3 hour canal tour in a small boat with a local and two other Americans.
We then set our sights on dinner, then off to explore the gay bars on the last night of Amsterdam’s week-long Pride celebration. We visited one of the classic gay bars we had seen from the canals – The Queen’s Head. That led to a tour of the red light district and finally stumbling upon the closing night street party for Pride in the center of the city.
It was at that event when I was in line for a drink that two young men asked if I would but them a drink. They claimed to be from Ukraine having recently escaped the war. Suspiciously, I asked to see a passport and indeed they were Ukrainian. So whether or not their story was true, I still felt obliged – and good – buying a round for them.
Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide & KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs
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DBA Networking Mixer at Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Join the Desert Business Association (DBA) as they return to one of our community’s most treasured resources, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, for a Networking Mixer on Monday, August 8 at 5:30 pm. This is not only a time to network with other business people, but also an opportunity to support the PS Animal Shelter by bringing and donating much-needed supplies to help the animals and the shelter staff, as well as tour the facility. More info
L-Fund Financial Seminars: The Basics
The L-Fund is offering the community Financial Seminars for lesbians and allies to learn and discuss personal finances with a three part financial planning seminar and social series, starting Tuesday, August 9 from 6–7:30 pm at The Flannery Exchange in Palm Springs. Seminar One is titled “Getting to know the basics: The essentials to better understanding your financials,” covering budgeting, managing debt and credit, investing and saving. Get actionable tips that can help you develop good financial habits for the future! Free event, registration required. More info
Monkeypox Community Town Hall Meeting
The HIV + Aging Research Project (HARP-PS) is hosting another Monkeypox Community Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, August 9 at 6 pm on Zoom. County and State public health officials will provide updates on this rapidly growing concern. Help keep yourself and our community safe and get educated! More info
Coachella Valley Philharmonic Society Woodwind Quartet
The Coachella Valley Philharmonic Society Chamber Series Presents: No.2 Gioacchino Rossini Woodwind Quartets on Tuesday, August 9 at 7 pm at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The quartet consists of Janine Angeletti on flute, Michael Adams on clarinet, Bruce Clawson on horn, and Nunzio Sisto on bassoon. Proceeds benefit Youth Training Orchestras of America and the Palm Springs Cultural Center Theatre 3 Renovation. Get tickets
Fahrenheit – An Outdoor Fitness Class
JW Personal Training PS is launching a new outdoor fitness class geared for all levels called Fahrenheit, offered every week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 am at Frances Stevens Park in downtown Palm Springs. Personal trainer Jim Weigert of JW Personal Training PS and World Gym has over 25 years experience and he’s sharing it for free (but donations are very much appreciated). Bring a towel and a water bottle because it’s going to be a hot one. It always is! More info
