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Well where do I start? I'm not sure anything I write will do my time in North Korea justice so I'm only going to be brief. Ill do another entry when I've figured out what the hell happened.
The country is so complicated, it has so many wonderful aspects but you can't get away from just how bizarre it is.
It's what I've call Kimland. The affection, love, belief and worship they have for all the Kim's is god like.
Particularly Kim il Sung. He is the father of modern North Korea. His son is Kim Jong Il and his son Kim Il Un is the current leader. No mention during my 4 days was interestingly of the current leader. Boy wonder Kim.
The stories I was told of Kim Il Sung were so unbelievably ridiculous that I made me want to laugh but then day after day I got tired of the constant rubbish. The same was of that hatred for America and how they defeated the cowardly Americans.
The guides never mention north or South Korea only Korea and its people who will one day be reunited as was Kim Il Sungs wishes. They blame America for not letting South Korea rejoin North Korea.
But and it's a big but. The country is really cool. The scenery, landmarks although all made for Kimland, museums to Koryo dynasty which can't be disputed. The food was great and the people really lovely. My guides and I had a great time. They were approachable, friendly, happy and funny. There sense of humour was amazing and really surprised me. You can't fake a real hearty laugh!
During the day they shepherded me around the towns but a night we talked of family and life. They enjoyed many many beers and Soju! Rice wine.
I was strange not having any freedom and when I did try to push the boundaries I was kindly reminded of the governments wishes.
Some examples
In the car we had stopped so I opened the door to get out and stretch. Jong one if the guides ask me Matt where are you going. I said to stand maybe 5 metres away and stretch. He replied " I think it's a good idea for you to continue to relax in the car" and gave me a big smile!
We were walking up a hill to another Kim monument when I said I'd race the guides to the top. Jong looked at me and said. Mr Matt I think a better idea is we walk together.
I asked if I was allowed to walk to the bridge from the hotel which I wasn't! I was allowed about 50 m from the hotel as its on a island but when I asked to go maybe 200m Hun said only if you don't want to come back!
Other things were
I saw army guards play fighting. Running past and hitting each others hats off
Kids wearing Mickey Mouse shirts on roller blades
After dinner one night my guides were talking to other guides when Jong said one off then wanted to try nz butter one day. The man asking was squatting down so I walked over to him putting my hands in my pockets and told Jong does he want some. He translated and the man stood up straight away smiling. I then opened my empty hand. All the guides roared with laughter and he grabbed me by the shoulders a shook me before shaking my hand laughing away.
Last one! When I played golf I got a cart. Jong wanted to drive but when he sat down a man in the club house yelled at him. He was told that the caddy must drive. Well we got around the corner and the cart stopped and Jong swapped back! He then drove down a sharp bank and not taking the corner in time hit a small tree. We all laughed away. As if we were in any country except North Korea!
The country reminded me heaps of being in Russia or Romania in the early 90s. But it has a feel of Cambodia and India about it. Then the city it's quite modern in parts. It just doesnt have any people on the streets. I could hardy find a person to be in my photos.
It's a real mix of everything and nothing.
I'll finish with my visit to the national library. I was taken to the music room where the specially assigned museum guide produced a cd for me to listen too in the 1980s ghetto blisters. It was madonna singing American pie! It was a what the hell moment! As we left I asked why most of the lecture halls were empty? Sun my guide replied " it is Friday and we have work to be done in the field so we have Mobilised all staff and students to work there for the day"
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Greg Glad you got there! Will you join us for a trip to Bhutan next?