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I made it back late last night safe and sound. It really is a safe place to go as long as you follow the rules. Its hard to process everything and put into words. Here are some random observations I have:
-the people were not very friendly. In China, they are curious and friendly towards foreigners, not in NK. I asked a Canadian who lives there if they are taught to hate Americans. He said they aren't directly taught to hate us but that Americans are imperialists and need to be resisted. In fact, one boy another teacher talked to said he wants to be in the army so he can fight off American imperialists.
-many electricity blackouts. You probably knew that. Most last only a minute or two but there were a couple that lasted awhile.
-I was in a city of 200,000 and there were very few cars in the city. Most people walked to where they needed to go even long distances. Also saw a lot of cows pulling carts within the city limits.
-NK does have its beautiful scenery. Living in China, we enjoyed the blue skies and white clouds.
-A limited form of capitalism is there. There is a huge market in town where you can find almost anything you want. Most of it comes from China. The kicker is the income tax rate which is at 71%. Many say that NK now is where South Korea was in late 70's/early 80's with their military dictatorship and limited economy. You could say China in the same time period was about the same. Perhaps, we'll see NK follow in the footsteps of at least China, maybe South Korea?
That's all I have for now. If you are a FB friend, I am starting to post pics so you can check them out.
-the people were not very friendly. In China, they are curious and friendly towards foreigners, not in NK. I asked a Canadian who lives there if they are taught to hate Americans. He said they aren't directly taught to hate us but that Americans are imperialists and need to be resisted. In fact, one boy another teacher talked to said he wants to be in the army so he can fight off American imperialists.
-many electricity blackouts. You probably knew that. Most last only a minute or two but there were a couple that lasted awhile.
-I was in a city of 200,000 and there were very few cars in the city. Most people walked to where they needed to go even long distances. Also saw a lot of cows pulling carts within the city limits.
-NK does have its beautiful scenery. Living in China, we enjoyed the blue skies and white clouds.
-A limited form of capitalism is there. There is a huge market in town where you can find almost anything you want. Most of it comes from China. The kicker is the income tax rate which is at 71%. Many say that NK now is where South Korea was in late 70's/early 80's with their military dictatorship and limited economy. You could say China in the same time period was about the same. Perhaps, we'll see NK follow in the footsteps of at least China, maybe South Korea?
That's all I have for now. If you are a FB friend, I am starting to post pics so you can check them out.
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