Aloha, Re: no bullet proof car, no security detail ...
It was not different in the Netherlands of my young days. I have encountered the then prime minister (Drs Joop den Uyl) a number of times and even spoke to him once. On walks in Amsterdam one could also regularly come across the president of the central bank (Dr Wim Duysenberg) on the 'Blue Bridge'. Politeness in those days commanded one did not acknowledge the presence of high ups (known as 'BN's' - 'Bekende (i.e. well-known) Nederlanders') unless tere was a good reason. And in fact the current prime mister, Mr Rutte, always goes 'to work' on a bike - but followed by two inspectors also on bikes (& probably also an unmarked car at some distance for good measure). Those were the days of insouciance - and less ostentation. Cheerio, p+2D!
