In late May 2008, I flew to North Korea on Air Koryo.
This Korean air carrier flies only thrice weekly; all three flights are between Beijing and Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.). The passengers on my flight were largely North Korean with a few Caucasians who appeared likely to be Russian. Continue reading
Here is a copy of a wall size painting I purchased that I have named “Welcome to North Korea“.
My second trip to North Korea began with the usual visit to their embassy in Beijing
It consists of a very large building secured behind two high barb-wired fences and several armed Chinese guards. The Chinese guards are there to ensure the Korean embassy staff do not leave.Continue reading
In July 2003 I had occasion to visit both Dubai and Tehran in the middle east on a working holiday. This article is a commentary on my observations and experiences on what turned out to be an amazing adventure. I am looking forward to returning to the region in the near future. Continue reading
An experienced traveller, I will be chuckling for years about exiting Colombia via the Bogotá airport after 2 wonderful weeks.
For context, you must appreciate that the entire airport is basically a dog-sniffing kennel.
As I was about to board, I was informed that the National Police had removed my suitcase from the plane and wished to inspect it. The airline employee mentioned that was done on a total “lottery” basis. She perhaps meant random, but when I entered the bowels of the airport and met the attending police, I knew there was nothing random about it.Continue reading