Jaunted.com - October 30, 2014 at 8:45 AM | by ClassicTom
5 Public Parks Around the World Where Some Laws…Just Don’t Seem to Exist
Law and order’s great and all—especially SVU—but, sometimes, it’s nice to experience a bit of free-living, unbound by society’s dictations. Often, it’s in the red light districts where you can revel in the wild west atmosphere of a bit of lawlessness.
Still, who wants to wrap themselves in the sketchiness of a red light district, where witnessing a man inject heroin on a street corner isn’t necessarily an “uncommon” sight. That’s why we’ve decided to share some free-spirited parks found across the globe. So what if you wanna smoke a little grass in a park or sell some homemade ginger juice that hasn’t been approved by the FDA. Here’s where you don’t need to worry about the consequences.
Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark: It's not often the words anarchy and Denmark go together, but, in the case of Christiania, that's sort of the case. While part of Copenhagen for tax purposes but totally not part of Copenhagen from a legal standpoint, the hippy, autonomous, semi-commune of a nation—well, micronation—boasts relaxed laws (so relaxed the 9 common laws make your apartment seem fascist) open markets on Pusher Street, and just space to be yourself, man—here, sip some organic ginger juice.
Coronation Park, Nimbin, Australia: You know you've hit an alternative environment when the word vibes suddenly integrates into your lexicon, which quickly happens at Nimbin's Channon Market in Coronation Park. The "Rainbow Region"—if that term doesn't explain the place well enough—features an eclectic assortment healers, musicians, and, what many may term, hippy fare, where it's contact high seems to be part of the experience. One of the area's high-points includes the Hemp Olympix, where joint rolling is a stiff competition. Sounds like a pipe-dream.
Görlitzer Park, Berlin, Germany: Within twenty steps from park entrances, the murmurs of "dope, dope" follow behind you. It's no secret Görli has a bit of a drug problem, and it's no secret the police don't really care—especially with such reasonable prices. Recently, there's been talk of setting up Amsterdam-style coffee shops near the park, but, let's be honest, there's nothing more satisfactory than a summer breeze, a pilsner, a lounge in the grass, and the option a nice "enhancer."
Hippie Hill, San Francisco, USA: Travel back to the ‘60s. Put a Flower in your hair. Go barefoot and head to the Hippie Hill for, well, you know what for. The questionable smells swirling through the air remind of a time when Joplin and The Grateful Dead frequented the park for "inspiration." Today, a popular spot for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the park attracts the same bongo-beating crowd that lured peace-loving pipers half-century ago.
Lake Atitlan, San Marcos, Guatemala: On the shores of Lake Atitlan, Mayan authenticity mingles with the "relax, man," most prominently in the cozy yogi-centric city of San Marcos. Of course, one of the most prominent facets of this city include the various hazes emanating along the lake. The main law requires relaxation, and that everyone's only concern, so the paradise keeps relaxers sitting, smoking, smoking some more, and the vibes at bay for hours, days, months, and, for some revelers, decades—ask for Sunshine Dan (maybe don't).
[Photos: samchills & elsamu]"