I'm Baaaacck

Sorry for the long delay since my last post. But we now have a new power supply and hard drive for the computer, we are back from the States, our son, Reed, has returned from his two week visit here, we are back from our latest adventure on a Silk Road tour in western China and I believe I am over my tonsillitis and just feeling miserable for the last four weeks issues. So enough of the excuses.
My last post was an introduction to our trip in June to North Korea. I want to provide some more commentary and pictures and wrap up that trip before I post on other things. The DPRK has been in the news lately for continuing skirmishes with South Korea, their  attempts to be economic partner with China, and most importantly, the announcement ( coronation) of the next great leader. Kim Jong il, the current leader has placed his third son, Kim Jong Un, 26 years old, in position to be the next great one. Third son, you ask? Well, and don't let anyone know you read it here, but his first son is considered somewhat of a playboy. Good for American or French politicians but not in " The Hermit Kingdom". It turns out he really embarrassed everyone about 8 years ago when he was detained at Japan's Norita airport on a fake Dominican passport! The guy next in-line to be Great Leader! He was quoted as saying " All I wanted to do was take my family to Disneyland". He must be watching too much American TV and football celebrities. Put this in perspective, though. How can the common NK person be expected to ever leave the country or learn about foreign affairs if the next leader can't even get out to visit Disneyland! Now the first son lives in Hong Kong and tries to get paid for interviews. Mr. Kim's middle son, Kim Jong Chol, is also not considered a candidate, because , as  so eloquently put by  Arnold " He is too much of a girlie man". Again, no trouble with this in France but in NK it's a no-go.
 So here are some pictures of NK.

Small but terrific subway system in Pyongyang. they show this with pride. The system was built from 1969-1973 and has not been added to since! Everything is original and everything is impeccably maintained. Other pictures here show another station and the interior of one of the cars. The chandeliers remind us of a great the great Murano glass we saw in Venice.

The most significant monument to " The Great Leader" Kim ll Sung

Jane--after paying her respects. You are required to leave flowers and pay respects if you come into the country. Or don't come. Jane said she had her fingers crossed.

Monument in front of the Tower.  This picture almost got me kicked out. No pictures allowed of monuments being maintained.

Typical street scene in the capitol of Pyongyang. (Kids, do you recognize the car. I always wondered where it ended up.) And this was one of the main streets.  Not many have cars , mostly the military, the government and officials. There is no oil in the country and their poor economy does not allow for much leverage in buying or trading for oil. There is just no traffic. When we went on the highway , we would go for miles and see no other cars.

This is one of the " Traffic Girls" of Pyongyang. They are a highlight of the city and are located at most of the intersections. They stand at attention and give quick and deliberate directions to the oncoming cars. They are all very attractive and young male motorists have been known to fake a problem in order to meet one.

Here is one of my favorite pictures. This is the same women as above but from a different angle to pick up the propaganda poster. These are all over NK and they encourage the people to continue to work hard and be patriotic for the greater cause.

We were walking in one of the monument parks and a wedding couple was having their pictures taken. I asked if we could have our picture taken with them and they obliged. Their own photographer was also taking this picture. Little did they know that they were being immortalized on their wedding day with Americans!

Jane enjoying herself on a stroll thru a people less park.

View from the Tower. Many buildings have pictures of the " Great One" on the outside.

Jane, one of our required tour guides on her right, and the guide ( in traditional Korean Dress) for the Tower of Light ( Kim ll Sung's 70th B-day present)

John trying out for the NK Navy on The USS Pueblo.

The USS Pueblo. Those of my age can remember one of the few embarrassing moments in US military history. On January 23, 1968 the ship was on an electronics intelligence mission off the east coast of NK when the ship was attacked and commandeered by the NK navy. Shots were fired  by both sides and one US seaman was killed. Eighty-two crew members were captured and held prisoner for 11 months. It was the first US Navy ship to be hi-jacked in over 150 years. There were never any reprisals against NK and the US Commander, Pete Bucher, was rewarded with a recommendation for a court martial. You can understand the glee of the NK navy tour people  when they found out a couple of Americans came aboard. We had to watch a 10 minute film about the event and " the American Imperialists". All in all though, it was a good day.