Red Corner: North Korean Propaganda

by Neil Woodburn on

The very few countries in which communism still exists are time capsules from another era. To visit is to go back fifty years to the Cold War when the world shuddered over a different type of horror altogether.

Communist dictatorships are a rare breed these days, but those wishing to see what such a system of government was like for so many years, can pop on over to North Korea and check it out. Visiting North Korea, however, is about as difficult as visiting the U.S.S.R. forty years ago.

But, you can visit virtually.

A few weeks ago Erik posted a video link to the North Korea Genius Kids who are basically raised by the state and molded into perfect little socialists. Today, I’m directing you to another video from the amazing Rob Pongi collection. This video is a complete contrast to brightly dressed Genius Kids dancing through choreographed moves. It is, in fact, a short propaganda film ripping apart the United States.

I’ve seen similar shorts from many years ago but most are dated and comical. This one is also hokey and amusing, but slightly more terrifying as it combines some MTV flash, rock music, and contemporary vulgarities to reach out to North Korea’s “progressive” youth and really hammer the message home.

I really don’t think they like us over there.

Red Corner: Private Croat Islands

by Neil Woodburn on

Buyer’s remorse is often described as purchasing something only to find a better or cheaper version a short while later. Traveler’s remorse is retuning home from your travels only to discover all the wonderful places you missed.

Having just been to Croatia and having time to see only a very small portion of it, I knew that traveler’s remorse would hit me almost immediately upon returning home. Sure enough, I quickly ran across this great article in The Observer about journalist Tom Robbins’ amazing island discovery off the coast of Croatia.

For just $870 a week Robbins rented the entire island of Plocica (above) and its Spartan, lighthouse accommodations.

There are actually quite a few lighthouses that can be rented on islands throughout the Croatian archipelago. This particular one was painted white, with 4-foot thick walls, solar powered energy, and no phone or TV.

Guests can cook for themselves, or hire the caretaker to come out by boat and do the job–often in the form of barbequed squid, fish and prawns.

Other than eat, swim, sleep and relax, there really isn’t anything else to do. And that’s why I’m so unhappy about having not stayed there. Traveler’s remorse indeed!

Red Corner: Expats in Bulgaria

by Neil Woodburn on

Living abroad is always full of challenges. Simply deciphering what type of milk to buy in the store can be a lesson in frustration when you don’t speak the language and have no way of telling the skim milk from the baby milk.

There was a time where the only resources available to help out were the local embassy personnel, and they’re never that friendly; especially if you have questions about milk.

So, it’s very refreshing to learn that, like everything else in life, the internet is here to help out.

Those of you planning on moving to Bulgaria anywhere in the near future, for example, will be happy to learn that a great site is up and running and ready to make your transition a little more smooth.

Expatinbulgaria.com is divided into four convenient categories: Business & Employment, Real Estate, Travel, and Lifestyle & Entertainment. There are also areas to meet other expats, and a forum to gripe and complain about the things you miss from home. The cheesiest section is “Expat of the Week” where you get to learn a little bit about those with whom you’ll be sharing the expat experience.

Love it or hate it, I wish I had access to such information before moving to Prague a number of years ago.

Red Corner: Cheap Eats where the Czechs Eat

by Neil Woodburn on

Prague was once a great deal. Everything was so cheap and tourists flocked here by the millions to lap up 40 cent beers and $1 plates of goulash. Good luck finding such deals in the center of town these days, however.

The influx of tourism has increased prices in the town center exponentially. Beers can cost as much as $4 in some tourist dives. Sure, this is still very affordable, but the wise tourist knows he’s overpaying for that sudsy beer or plate of goulash.

But, where can he find the real bargains? Where can he dig up those authentic Czech restaurants where only the Czechs go and where prices remain as they should for a sloppy plate of goulash?

Well, turn to the expats. The Prague Post, an English language newspaper catering to the foreigners in the area, has printed a pretty decent article on where to find food and drink priced for the locals.

Take, for example, XXX on Senová?né námeste, where some goulash and a couple of beers will only set you back $5. Hardly the prices of ten years ago, but still a great deal compared to the prices found in the more popular tourist dives.

Red Corner: Commie Souvenirs

by Neil Woodburn on

When the Soviet Union first fell, it was relatively easy to get your hands on Soviet relics. People were literally standing in the streets selling army hats, hammer and sickle belt buckles, and anything else communist they could get their hands upon.

These days, however, it is a bit more of a challenge to track down Soviet goods.

Thankfully the Vernisazh Market in Moscow (also known as the Izmaylovo Market) still offers up such kitsch to the discerning tourist. Opened only on the weekends, this is the place to buy that propaganda poster, Lenin stamp collection, or cassette of communist anthems.

Communism is dead, however, so expect to bargain hard.