L.A. Times has a good read on the travels
of five lucky
Americans in North Korea which makes me
both envious and relieved. When they all got the call that their visas had been
approved to head over they well-seasoned travelers described the feeling in ways that made me feel as if I had won
the lotto. North Korea has never been shy about it’s passionate dislike of America and getting a visa to go over
into the country is no easy or cheap task. Why they decided to approve the visas really wasn’t explained and
apparently there were some mixed feelings from the group after arriving. For some making sure the ugly
American didn’t come out was perhaps a smidge difficult when it came to bowing to the towering statue of Kim in the
city. Every visitor is expected to pay homage. Propaganda everywhere suggesting the U.S. as the sworn enemy and a
government-appointed shadow to follow your every move (and I do mean every move) would make the average tourist a lil’
uncomfortable.
Overall, I found the read quite enjoyable due to some very impressive engaged and adventure travelers who took
part on the trip and their honest feedback. For instance, Bill Altaffer, the
worlds most traveled man, is still itching to go back. He wants to
get into the mausoleum to see Kim’s body.