North Korea-A Land Apart

Travelers looking to experience something totally different and to travel to a place where, most assuredly none of your friends have ever been, then North Korea is the place for you. An anachronism in so many ways, the country is one of only a handful of communist states left in the world, one that [...]

Travelers looking to experience something totally different and to travel to a place where, most assuredly none of your friends have ever been, then North Korea is the place for you. An anachronism in so many ways, the country is one of only a handful of communist states left in the world, one that continues to play by its own rules on the world stage, and one that is sadly backwards, yet oddly charming. For the savvy and intrepid traveler, this strange land can provide a wonder and mystery that can only be found in very few corners of the world. One thing should be noted, it’s impossible to write about North Korea without mentioning the government. The government permeates everything about the country, including tourism. Visitors to North Korea will always be members of a tour group, and will have at least one ‘guide’ with the group, whose function is to keep tabs on tourists as much as it is to provide information to them.

To say that the government is paranoid and controlling is putting it mildly. Many tourists will feel limited and stifled because of the rules and regulations put into place. Of course, there are many ways to bend the rules. The best way to get ahead in North Korea is to play along and be respectful. Showing respect to the guides, the people, and the government will reward itself in the guides feeling more comfortable with you and perhaps allowing you to go out alone some, or showing you some places that are not normally seen by tourists. On the other hand, showing disrespect and speaking ill towards the government and its leader, Kim Jong Il, can have severe penalties for tourists and guides as well. It is important to keep in mind that severe penalties in places like North Korea are totally different than what most Westerners think of. Prison sentences, heavy fines, and worse are common in North Korea for even the smallest misdemeanor. Even if you feel that stopping and bowing in front of a statue of Kim Jong Il is totally absurd, you should still show respect by remaining still and silent as others pay homage. North Korean tour guides are expected to ‘control’ the guests, so any disturbance or scene caused by a guest, will negatively affect your guide, and could easily get them into very hot water.

All that being said, the sights that await visitors in this country are like no others in the world. In Pyongyang, visitors will be shocked to find that even though many people can’t afford food and electricity at certain times of the year, the city has a functional and spotlessly clean metro, complete with beautiful artwork and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Visitors will be taken to Mansu Hill, where they can pay their respects to the “Great Leader”, Kim Sung Il, by bowing in front of a 20 meter tall statue of the leader. Another monument to the first Kim, is the Juche Tower. Rising over 170 meters, the tower was built using over 25,000 stones to commemorate the leader’s 70th birthday. One of the biggest pilgrimages in the country is to Mangyong Hill, birthplace of Kim Il-Sung. Thousands of Koreans visit the museum to witness the hard-scrabble conditions that the hero of heroes for North Korea had to endure in his childhood.

Kaesong was once home to a huge population, and was the seat of the Koryo Dynasty. Unfortunately, over the years, several wars decimated large parts of the city’s historical legacy, but a walk through the old quarter can provide a glimpse into the city’s past. Kaesong also has several museums and ancient ruins that have been preserved that are worth seeing.

North Korea is also home to some severe weather with the winters’ biting cold, and the summers’ monsoons. However, planning a trip during the spring or late summer/early fall, visitors will be impressed with the gorgeous skies, and alternately, blooming flowers or spectacular autumn colors.

Traveling to North Korea isn’t for the faint of heart, and is probably better suited for experienced travelers looking for something totally off the beaten path. Although visitors may feel like they are being treated poorly or that they are being ripped off for food or in hotels, rest assured that the overwhelming majority of North Koreans have it far worse. A trip to North Korea may not be for everyone, but for those daring enough to make the journey, the reward will be well worth it.

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Ever since South Africa had its own democratic elections back in 1994, there has been more and more interest in seeing what all the fuss about. What visitors to South Africa will discover are lush forests, jungle atmospheres, friendly natives welcoming all different people, cultural tapestries of diverse ethnicity, wildlife preserves and national parks, safekeeping [...]

Ever since South Africa had its own democratic elections back in 1994, there has been more and more interest in seeing what all the fuss about. What visitors to South Africa will discover are lush forests, jungle atmospheres, friendly natives welcoming all different people, cultural tapestries of diverse ethnicity, wildlife preserves and national parks, safekeeping the treasured wildlife that is so precious to the nation itself. Many people do not actually realize how much of South Africa remains unexplored, and untouched by the hands of man, while at the same time, the economy and social structure has been developing to compete with many different countries’ economies. There have been advances in industry as well as natural preservation in South Africa, and the natives to the country are growing stronger as a people because of it.
The various attractions in South Africa can be educational, fun, and awe inspiring for families, couples, and even individuals who came to relax and enjoy their vacation.

Take a tour the South Africa’s most recent national park, opened only recently in June 2007, Mokala Natural Park, and discover a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna.
Visit the various Natural Botanical Gardens of South Africa, where amongst tropical rare flora, you can find the giant legendary Baobab trees.
The Northern Cape in South Africa, is where the famous small town is located; famous for the enormous Southern Africa Large Telescope, which is expected to draw in many astronomy oriented tourists.

Several tourists also love interacting with the rich cultural history of South Africa. There are over 500 different museums in South Africa, dedicated to just that. Here are few of the best:

• The National Cultural History Museum, Pretoria
• Transvaal Museum of Natural History, Pretoria.
• The South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg
• The National Museum and the Anglo-Boer War Museum in Bloemfontein.

The cuisine found in South Africa varies from the popular to the traditional. Most of South African traditional foods were at one time based on a wide variety of grains, wild game, fruits and vegetables, but when the country became more and more industrialised, the general dishes of South Africa fused together popular eats, and cultural cooking. Some of the popular traditional foods that tourists will most likely encounter while in South Africa are breads and porridges made from “mealie-meal” which is a type of maize, or corn flour, Ostrich meat, ground, or made into various steaks and stews, much like beef. There’s also Amasi, which is sour milk, chutney, a sweet sauce made from fruits and vegetables and served over meat, and Bunny Chow; which is hollowed out bread, stuffed with curry.

Transportation in South Africa has undergone some very sophisticated development; most visitors will be surprised at the ease in which they can travel freely. There are car rental agencies, where those so inclined can even rent off-road vehicles for trips through the bush. There are also regional and extended trips that many can take by bus, taxis, and a good number of airports for regional and international travel. Visitors can also take advantage of modern railway services as well. One of the most popular resorts in South Africa is Singita; finding anything to top their establishment is going to be a struggle. There are many different lodgings; such as five star resorts, rustic safari or game lodges, camping grounds, local hotels, and bed and breakfast establishments.

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Spain - the perennial summer holiday favourite - has kept its place at the top of the travel league this year, with nearly 14 million people heading to the country this year, it has been reported. Figures... Read More...