Wholesale Dora Favors

North Korea - Day 1 - Part 2

A travel diary
Wed Sept 29th, 2010 - Thurs Oct 7th, 2010
Written by Robin Renitent
for www.rebellogblog.com / dev

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DPRK

(朝鲜民主主义人民共和国)

Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Travel Section North Korea as part of a four-year world tour.

stuff

North Korea - Day 1 - Part 2

After lunch we will meet again at 14 clock in the lobby. By minibus it goes through the city to the subway station of the Pyongyang Metro: In the entrance hall is a light board the stations. Then it goes together in the depths. The escalator is about as long as one in the Moscow metro, the station is located 80m below ground.

Wikipedia Encyclopedia tells us this: On 6 September 1973 the first section of the subway opened in Pyongyang. Today there are two lines with a length of 22.5 kilometers. The subway in Pyongyang was the first subway on the Korean peninsula. The construction of the network began in 1968. A fatal accident occurred during construction in a tunnel under the River Taesong. Some sources that more than 100 workers have come to death. This part of the section was never completed and the entire underground network is now located on the western side of river. The network runs completely underground and the lines were along the lines of metro networks in other communist countries, especially the Moscow Metro. Both routes have many similarities, including the course in great depth and the large distances between stops. In particular, the real socialist art can be found in these stations. In times of war, the U-Bahn stops are used as shelters. For this Purpose are installed large steel gates. There is speculation that large military installations are connected to the bus stops. is evidence of this, it is not. According to other speculation should exist besides the two official lines and an unknown number of lines of secret military and government purposes.

Whether this speculation can have a real basis to say I do not. We at least wait for the subway, which, to my great surprise, a bit is the aging (West) Berlin U-Bahn, (they have been green-vice injected red, the inside is unchanged) was that of the DPRK, according to our guide paid. When I left Germany 11 years ago, these cars were still in operation, during my last visit 2 years I have not seen her. We drive a station. There was always speculation that only these two stations work at all. But we shall see, occur in other races around town, even people from other stations. In this respect, to assume that this is an untenable conspiracy theory. As I drive through the tunnel, I feel transported back to Berlin for a moment. Our two guides in any case are very proud to introduce these attractions with their own enthusiasm.

we see on the streets way too many trams, white and red, and they do not look as bad as that is described on some blogs. The buses, however, are sometimes a bit long in the tooth, and many of the flexible rubber boots on the transitions to the trailer would have to be replaced. But many public transport companies are suffering even among financial shortage. All buses have in common is that, as we see them, always completely overcrowded. A situation that we know also from China, Egypt or London in the rush hour. However, I am grateful, now, with plenty of space for me to be able to sit in our minibus.

Now it goes to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum. A pretty woman soldier in the officer rank already waiting for us and takes us through endless corridors in different rooms. Here, we get compared to more detailed information about the greatest enemy of the DPRK, the U.S. imperial state, their aggressive policy of the country and as benefit is paid the DPRK under the wise leadership of Kim Il-sung's won. The price was a totally destroyed country, and especially the capital city suffered severely, and their destruction was extensive. Well, there are other versions of history, for example, as we have learned, but it's never wrong to listen to the party whose guest you are. What is now inspires everyone who enjoy dioramas or similar re-enactments has. We are led into a panorama that is 15 m high, totaling 120 m, and measuring 42m in diameter. In very realistically recreated battle scenes here are of the Korean War, some with real objects, part in a fascinating wall paintings. The last we saw was the panoramic view of Racławice in Wroclaw, formerly Breslau, in the previous year. It is obvious that here in Pyongyang to celebrate victory over the American aggressor and so we see even a painted-injured North Koreans. Slowly turn the interior past the panorama, so that, after about 10 minutes, again at the beginning of the story arrives. is

Something like that in the statement now, a further presentation in a theater-like space: Here we see, after a red curtain was opened, also a diorama, a 19th Century by Daguerre invented darkened theater with semitransparent, both sides painted different prospectus. By changing illumination of the front and back able to put motions and times can be simulated effectively. This allied with the panoramic technique is still used on theater stages. (Wikipedia)

Here is also an acoustic battle, gunfire, explosions, through the night moving small trucks and other military vehicles make impressive victory of the Korean unit, to a mountain pass through which Americans The dar. takes about 20 minutes and then we are convinced that the Americans really deserve to have one on the cap. Our charming officer finds it and shows us proud in the basement of the museum downed wreckage of American machinery, military vehicles and a model of "Pueblo". (I will come to) Although we have visited in recent years a number of military museums in different countries, for example, in Dayton, USA or Moscow, we are also deeply impressed by the destructive power of Korean defense weapons .

A walk by the War Victory Monument is closed. The sun is once again wrong, but I manage to take photos. Impressive what you have put up here in monuments. I like stuff, and especially the ability of artists to increased human proportions right can be cast in bronze I admire. In this respect I also respect the artistic expression of Arno Breker's aesthetic and his portraits. Someday I will so order a piece of me, but in a less martial pose and the Rettungsringwabbelbauch has also gone before. If I do not succeed, let I prefer to stay. Wikipedia says to the theme park:

the west of the city, the memorial is for the Fatherland Liberation struggle, which until 1993 for the 40th Anniversary of that was built. The 150,000 square feet of space is entered through a monumental gate with various bronze reliefs that handle different variations in the theme of "victory." On the site you see more than ten thematic sculptures, representations of individual soldiers in heroic poses and carved writings of Kim Il Sung.

Beautiful end of this Visit: A bride comes through the entrance monument and I manage to take a picture. Where brides but I so love. To the husband I have no recollection ...

Later, after dinner, I turn on the television: there are, but only in the hotel, one state channel, 3 Russian channels, BBC and CCTV. At home, you can only receive the state channel. That makes sense, then the population is not insecure and is exempt from the west decadent influences. In the state of channel is just a great meeting, in Parliament, there is much talk and applauds. Kim Yong-il is also there, he reads, has a red Booklet in the air and makes a quiet, well-balanced impression. Loquacious as our politicians he's not.

lamp. Sleep! Tomorrow is the 2nd Day.

Photos: © Copyright www.rebellogblog.com / Robin renitent 2010

Jewel De Nyle And Jenna Jameson

North Korea - Day 1 - Part 1

A travel diary
Wed Sept 29th, 2010 - Thurs Oct 7th, 2010
Written by Robin Renitent
for www.rebellogblog.com / dev

DPRK

(朝鲜民主主义人民共和国)
Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk

Demokratische Volksrepublik Korea

Reiseabschnitt Nordkorea im Rahmen einer vierjährigen World tour.

stuff

North Korea - Day 1 - Part 1

Friday 1 October 2010. We have breakfast in the restaurant, there is a buffet with plenty of saturating offer. About 9 clock we meet our companions in the lobby. We climb into our van and handed over our gift to the Men and the driver. Smoking has still hurt anyone, though, later - on the last day, one of the men assured me when I asked his preference for a Korean Korean cigarettes will still be accepted and our Chinese smoked.

We take a few minutes to a lavish place with white marble statues, beautiful women who, as I remember, meant to symbolize friendship. The weather is glorious, as in all the days that we are here in Korea. Since I know that one leaves nothing to chance in the DPRK, I would like to take this opportunity to the National Korean travel agency for more suitable, beautiful, mostly sunny and pleasant weather in terms of temperature thanks. Something is important, we would have the DPRK only gray rainy, overcast and experience would also be clouded our memories. Thus we see everything in a friendly light. The huge space is basically empty, just a flower seller offers white Crysanthemen. We buy a bunch, because we want to walk to Mansudea Grand Monument, where we were, the gigantic bronze statue of the great leader Kim Il-sung expected. Except We also happens to have a group of the British agency here, who also admired the pretty water system. Already here we focus attention, as small groups, with children and with our expansive lenses. We blithely shoot and open, as we will do so during the whole trip. After we looked around enough we walk with measured steps from that facility to the great monument. Our bus will follow us, unobtrusively so in the next few days, and keep at the right place to let us climb again.

While we see our approach to gently increase the final road to the monument I go to the giant 50m-60m long, made of red stone flags with giant reliefs of fighting Koreans, who are placed on either side of the statue, as workers from a clean lift from the plates. Nice when public assets are maintained as such. The head and the outstretched arm of Kim Il-sung's we have already seen, but few minutes later he stands in all its monumental size of us. At his feet, many bouquets of flowers are placed with white chrysanthemums. Before us, the group said the monument achieved. A Member shall also have chosen from a bouquet, this is mandatory, and each group do that, then they will stand in a row and bow, which is also required. I watch closely and see how not bow to some members of the group. That strikes me as grossly rude, both to Kim Il-sung, who, despite having died in 1994, is still eternal President, (a variant of worship which is unique in the world) and against the host nation Korea .

It's always the same: Those who are in the home voluntarily as climate dictates, ideologies or redistribution deliver a multicultural ideology, protest fill their tax return, do not protest against the fact that their taxes via the EU, are used to support terrorist groups (eg Hamas), have calculated here, protected by the group, resistance to a deserved point leaders. This has no consequences, but it reveals much about the brainwashing in our Western democracies.

Everything is still very relaxed. Now we turn. My wife shall, with staatstragendem and solemn expression, also the flowers down. She has since had experience, because she spent her youth in the Soviet Union. Then we ask ourselves, bow together with our two companions in a row on us and deep before the giant statue. Kim Il-sung is in a very sovereign attitude, his arm is stretched out and shows the direction to the Korean people, his face is benevolent clemency. Should be a leader, Lenin is in a similar pose as great Lenin's but I have not seen him in was just the base always so high. The Russians have, although Lenin still in many places, also sees many monuments removed, the statue is even a New Yorker High rise. This disrespektierliche handling is the historical figure is not appropriate.

Koreans worship Kim Il-sung. And without any ifs and buts. Never before have I seen so much devotion and so the respectful treatment. Lenin is hawked as kitsch Souvenierständen bust and flea markets, we printed T-shirts with him, Mao is seen on T-Shirt's, coffee mugs and playing cards. Incredibly, a particularly vile perfidy capitalist profiteers. Kim Il-sung, we will not find anything like that. We Germans are really at a disadvantage and may, although we reputation with moderate Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Miele to be the front runners come up, not with a similar statue and a similar devotion. The few monuments to Emperor Wilhelm disappear with the will of the green too. Hitler's mistake was, that he has created with all 55 States has declared war on bad breath and had been an egomaniac. Kim Il-sung was much wiser. He ultimately had only one enemy, the U.S. imperialists (they're not) and their South Korean puppets. So had all opposed to Hitler, and of course we have re-educated the German people. If he were not so stupid been, he would, according to German and German megalomania Perfektionswut, as at least 100m high statue at the Potsdamer Platz are. Let's look at more recent leaders around, it looks even sadder: Honecker had no size, was so negative, you would not even have to dig a hole about him to ignore. Obama has his Nobel Prize, already, what elevates him, especially when the German left, of any monument, and our office pants suit on a pedestal in bronze? Bronze is not much around the world, as we IM Erika would appreciate appropriate.

But back to the DPRK. We're pretty impressed, I'm going back some 20 meters to the statue to photograph properly, detailed photos are forbidden and so I need distance to Kim Il-sung properly scan to.

Now ask me a German-speaking participants in the other group as it is that we travel alone. The man has not properly informed. And how is it that we can have such large lenses. Tss, and those people drive to the DPRK. They would be better off on Bravo.

go Now we in a good mood that we did not leave during the trip, the Grand People's Study House, a building of fabulous size, monumental, staggering. Here is the largest national library housed while the building is the National Centre for the Study of the Juche ideology, which I come later. The building is an excellent example of socialist architecture can impress the people here gives mainly expanded and imaginatively with Korean architecture. Very nice.

expected at the entrance we already have a leader. So it will be for all tours in the coming days: Selected charming and enthusiastic young ladies will take over the respective guide and explain the relationships. But the ladies to look at is a pleasure to them, some even speak English, listen well. At this point, my thanks to the State Qur'anic travel agency. Without exception, all the ladies were chosen to be well, stay with us pleasant memories.

The library is equipped with INTR-A-NET, and we see students using computers for books . Search We follow the guide on endless corridors, the library will contain 30 million books and each book should be able to arrive in seconds with the reader. The 30 million books, we do not see, but to make us a joy brings us a lady at a rental station within seconds three German-language books from under the table. The surprise us after all. We look at the books of interest: A book from the Herder-Verlag, 1976 native deciduous and coniferous trees, a book of crochet and knitting patterns and a computer book on MS-DOS. Nice to see that It is in this library including foreign-language books.

organizes the whole is excellent. Our guide is always normal advance another employee who prepared our arrival. Next we see the collection of books that have received Kim Il-sung and Kim Yong-il paid by foreign governments and individuals. The collection comprises about 200 books. I remember a first edition of Don Quixote, a special pride of the collection. There follows a look into a Englischlekture, here is work hard. An electronic table shows the lessons in each classrooms at. The whole room is can be equipped with school desks that work surface tilted by a rotation mechanism to facilitate the work: In a room special highlights are presented. Kim Il-sung himself had this idea when he first visited the library and saw students work. His ideas were picked to be grateful and offered them the benefit of all students.

Now our guide gently opens a door: Gosh, we are touched, this is just a German lesson. We are complimented in the room. I still see the blackboard, are on the 6 to 7 words. At the word "independence" I remember me and the word "unconditionally". In principle, however, I kan find no relationship, either in grammatical terms, or as related topics. But before I can ask the students rush on us, separate informal and inundate us with questions. My daughter gets rather more general questions about name, age, origin, my son gets more school issues, my wife questions about our professions, and they ask me what does the word "independence". I try to answer the questions comprehensively, this must also words such as "insurance", incorporate "professional association" and "liberal professions", but this is not always understood in terms of content. So swings the question to our travel and tour operations. Then I tell them that we were 7 weeks in South Korea and have explored the country with a rental car. But the students have been well controlled, their demands are limited. Meanwhile, I have them to me, watched in spite of the flood issue, in more detail. They are no longer the youngest, their average age may from mid / late 20s and mid / late 30s are. Your clothes, I find something unstudentisch, all together is a well-groomed appearance. I see little books and booklets on the tables and I was really interested by the instructor or professor, the teaching method to get betrayed. Maybe I could benefit as a homeschool father finished it. But you can not have it all. It could also be that the students complete a second degree, and therefore a bit older. I am parting with good wishes and successful learning for the future.

Now comes another highlight. We visit the rest relaxation and leisure space in shared libraries. Here, Students recover their spirit. The room has tables to 30-40 per a tape recorder. The first is also switched on and it sounds like Beethoven. According to course just for us, usually you use headphones. On a Russian blog I read that they played Tchaikovsky for the visitors. I find this very carefully and it shows how know to appreciate the Koreans in the DPRK the guest. Incidentally, a student makes the peace offer. What he heard I do not know.

We are again very impressed, but now comes what I like, a view from the balcony. We see tens of thousands of people who practice to speaker instructions for the founding congress, which at 10.10. takes place. This is incredible how people can move with extraordinary precision to statements when they have enough time for practicing. And is practiced here during our entire stay late into the night. Here, from the balcony, it's the only time that I had the opportunity to photograph the event.

Then we climb the bus and drive back to the hotel for lunch.

Photos: © Copyright www.rebellogblog.com / Robin Renitent 2010

Sharp Model No. R-9h81b

DPRK - Preparation and entry

Ein Reisetagebuch
Wed Sept 29th, 2010 - Thurs Oct 7th, 2010
Written by Robin Renitent
for www.rebellogblog.com / dev

DPRK

(朝鲜民主主义人民共和国)

Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Travel Section North Korea as part of a four-year world tour.

preparation and entry

escaped me exactly when we travel to the decision after North Korea seized the first time the idea came at least in Croatia and Hungary. In Hungary, with easy access, then we have fished the first information from the Internet. Afterwards, the following was clear: The way we design our trips is usually not possible in the DPRK. A travel on your own, completely independent of travel agencies and other people is not there. You can not even look for a hotel, also free to travel about the country is prohibited.

Nevertheless, we wanted as much independence as possible. So there was only an individual tour. Which is more expensive but available. The four of us, as a family, plus the mandatory travel companion. For us it is nevertheless a clear commitment to individual travel, the individual vs. classic contrast. Collectively. Why, we should travel in a collectivist society organized just as a group trip, so as a collective - if we do not do it otherwise?

We first invited us out the application forms in this business a successful and Beijing-based company the Internet. Was quite clear at once that the DPRK is allergic to journalists. That is why I renewed my membership in the CAJ in April and no longer confined myself in this respect also usual when completing the application so I could add that I truly "retired" I and my wife wrote "Housewife" into it, which is indeed quite true, because we are already 2 years on the road and a working life on the road "is not possible.

So we sent out our requests even from South Korea to the UK Agency and booked as follows: Independent Tour - September 18/19 - October 6 / 7 2010th This was worked out just fine, even the passport photos you submit online, the agency was, and is very experienced and organized a major part, if not the decisive share of tourists to the DPRK. Everything has been agreed by email, at the specified tour proposals is like to his wishes in time to announce, almost any change possible. Later we were under the impression that the Korean government agency attempts to implement all the requirements - if, indeed if it tells time and gives them the opportunity to prepare the appropriate steps in the long term. Spontaneity is not the strength of autocratic-led states. We wanted to have included a visit to a farm and a visit to a public school in the tour. No problem. Later I was annoyed to visit a textile factory to have forgotten. After we were still 50 percent down payment paid to the agency, we dedicated ourselves to our stay in China.

One day before departure, we were invited to a briefing. Here we received our visas and train tickets. As I wrote earlier, we prefer rail travel to prepared us to approach slowly and according to a target to. In this we are not Kim Jong-il dissimilar, he prefers the train ... And how right we were, the tourists einschweben by plane to the DPRK, do not even know what they're missing. Also, the briefing was again the classic combination vs. individual. Collectively. The briefing room was obviously a meeting room for group tourists, with many chairs, lined up like a cinema show. Unruly family here alone. We were briefed on rules of conduct and especially the photo rules about tipping issues and benefits, of behavior, courtesy and possible discussion topics, with our hosts in Korea. Most of it we already knew that with the gifts not for the tour guides.

Now we paid the second Half of the price and spent the rest of the day to buy small gifts. Cosmetics and scarves for female tour guide, cigarettes and ties for men, candies for the children to visit the school. Also, my offspring and I bought a tie, dress appropriately for the obligatory visit to the Kim Il-sung Memorial is required.

Now we have reduced our luggage by 50 percent, as did all 4 laptops in the boot, pocket knives, anything that might cause complications, and all back at the hotel and started the next day, the Wed. Sept 29th at 17:30 with the train from Beijing Central Station. They were the last two carriages of the train and our reserved compartment was approximately in the middle of the car. The cars belonged to the North Korean railroad and the conductor were North Koreans. The train was divided equally with North Koran "filled" the other half were Chinese. Even as we train the entered, which, as we discovered later, probably the best is what the Korean railway has to offer, he was fully loaded crack. In our compartment we had crammed the upper storage area with boxes. The course was free, but spaces, transitions to other compartments, - and packed to the roof. But it was more to come. The trip to Pyongyang last 24 hours. In the next few hours we drove at a leisurely pace, but on very smooth and well-laid rails in the direction of Dandong. The bedding was much easier than with the Trans-Siberian railway, but the bed was long enough for me. Total was not uncomfortable night, The Chinese were certainly quieter than on the ferry to China.

In Dandong, the next morning, then the big surprise. We thought the train was full, but what followed was an orgy Pack first order. The compartments of the alighting Chinese were so packed that we remained a mystery how one could sit there. This modern station with more and more Chinese flocked to train carts. The visit will last about 2 hours, during this time, the compartments filled up to the roof. Some covetous eyes were already in our compartment, but no one dared to ask if we would place abgegen. Now the train was ranked determined 6 times back and forth, again purely out of the station, back to the station, locomotive changes, and everything and again. Our passports had been taken from us but then came the Chinese officials gave it all back and off we went across the border bridge to the Korean side. Once again, almost 3-hour stay. No photography allowed. Then came the North Koreans and also controlled the passports, took them, but they are not stamped. After the passport officials were the tax collectors. I had to open all the suitcases, take the laundry out and explain the details. My tripod stick, he looked at them and the cameras listed he neatly without controlling them. Also had my photo backpack I can not open. Scrolls and books were carefully asked about GPS or cell phone several times. Have not we all, and the book the book was my 11 year old daughter: "Marley - a dog like no other". The man was not unfriendly, children are always the "door opener". Then it went off in glorious weather and we drove through the beautiful North Korean landscape. Yes, she is beautiful, especially the ripe, yellow rice fields glistening in the sun. I took out the two cameras and took photos of People and landscapes. Thank God, the lenses clean. The one photographed people see the North Korean authorities not like to photograph people in work clothes prohibited direct portraits too. Too often malicious and one-sided reporting journalists have abused the photos to the DPRK and its people in a bad light to move. No one knows better than me what you can do with photos and so I took photos but also of people, so I sit down over the ban, but not in disrespektierlicher way. If I as the ratio of people of my photos to photos of landscape, architecture and Including in North Korea itemizing, the proportion of people photos, including lack of opportunity, eh under 2 percent.

We see many people work in the fields, bent over, as is required for cutting rice, ox carts, we see some, many bicycles, cars we do not see at most a few trucks, most with wood burning. In some places, built of cement mixed by hand, here is yet saves power even Mixer I do not see a short time

19 clock we reach the Pyongyang Railway Station outside, it is now pitch dark. (Time difference with Beijing one hour) The train station is only dimly lit and we stand with our 2 small suitcase und Fotorucksack auf dem knackvollen Perron. Was, wenn uns nun niemand abholt? Aber eher fällt der Mond vom Himmel, als daß das passiert, und ---- nach 5 Minuten fragen mich 2 dunkelblau gekleidete Herren nach meinem Namen. Wir hatten eigentlich eine Dame und einen Herren erwartet. Das sind sie, unsere Begleiter für die nächsten Tage. Sie stellen sich vor, die Herren heißen Kim und Ri und schon geleiten sie uns durch die Menge zu unserem Fahrzeug. Das ist ein Bus für etwa 18 Personen, um ihn zu füllen, müßten wir also noch einige Kinder machen. Der Fahrer heißt Lee und los gehts. Dieser Bus, mit diesem Fahrer, ist für all our next day, nothing is changed. The bus is the way, spotless, even the windows.

Now the gentlemen once more to make detailed and welcome us officially on behalf of the "State Quranic travel agents". A moment later we are in the hotel, a 47-storey twin tower hotel building with revolving rooftop restaurant. We do not check in, the men we check in and our 2 room, for the children and us parents, are next to each other in the 30th Floor. The men sleep on the first companion Floor. They also eat in another restaurant. Since

we are hungry we go immediately afterwards in the dining room and dine with cloth napkins and gimmicks, a refined 5 star hotel. The food is prepared for European tastes, there are unusual, even salt shakers on the table, the cutlery is complete and of good quality, it is heavy in the hand, the chopsticks are made of suitable metal.

Unfortunately my wife is now bad, they get hell of a headache, we suspect that the Luftmagel on the train and the non-opening windows are the cause and sisters and, most unusually, Back to return immediately to her room ck where she falls asleep immediately. After our meal, I wonder if the food I can take my wife to the room and ask for a tray. But not like that, yes, it can not run a guest with a tray of the Hotel. The charming waitress does that cover the food with a napkin and follow us in the 30th Floor. But not alone, a second beauty accompanied us and they wish to not go away. My Lady's first "makes no sense, I am the elder and the guest.

So we parked the food and meet us, but for my wife, with two others with a first meeting. The first refers to our photo behavior. I guarantee the men that I will not fofografieren without their consent (I turn kept essentially) and that I, without their consent would not leave the hotel. Then I give them my handshake. Now we discuss the program again, I will tell something about us and our motivation to create trust and assure them that they have in us as simple as plugging guests. And actually, my goal is to create a good atmosphere because we are quite unusual, constantly be together. The Men's easier to laugh, we make jokes and recount and relaxed. After an hour we go with them, even off operations outside the Hotel a few times to breathe deeply the fresh night air and go immediately to bed.

We are very excited for tomorrow, the first day!

Photos: © Copyright www.rebellogblog.com / Robin renitent 2010