Christiania

In 1971, some locals occupied an old military barracks, the government sort of let things slide, and Freetown Christiania was born. Apparently, the small community governs itself (hippies, not anarchists, I guess).

The drug trade - at least for softer stuff - is tolerated, if not promoted. Cannabis, including hash, was being openly sold from stands along Pusher Street. But the lines are blurry and it sounds like both the community and the authorities (some government authority still applies) aren't quite sure where to draw the boundaries. As we left, there was a very deliberate-looking group of police heading in.

But it's also just a big tourist draw, full of colorful buildings and colorful people. There are arts and crafts, and tie dye, and food shops (sort of like the Saturday Market on Salt Spring, but without as much goat cheese). The bustle of activity in the central portion falls off rapidly as one wanders back into the more rural parts of the community back along the canal.