Ch, ch, ch, ch, changes

Our group of 20+ tourists was on the 2 week Ultimate Mega Tour or maybe it was the Mega Ultimate Tour. But it all changed in the second week with the arrival of a whole lot more people. The result was a  split of our group and the new group into 3 different groups. So we ended up with new North Korean guides and Hannah, the English guide, had to try and cover all of us. My lovely roommate went to another group which was sad as we had been perfectly compatible - but then I ended up with my own room - win!


At the top of our hotel is a revolving restaurant and this is where we usually get breakfast.

The triangular-shaped building is the Ryugyong Hotel. Construction on this building began in 1987. They reached full height of 105 floors before funding ran out in 1992 and it remained without windows or internal fit out for the next 16 years. North Korea denied its existence and removed it from official photos and maps !

But in 2008 the Egyptians re-started work and it now has windows and work continues on the interior. It is due to have 5 revolving restaurants - proving you can never have too many revolving restaurants.

The rain is clearing as we leave for Wonsan, a port city on the East Coast.

 This was our morning tea spot with the usual tribute pictures to the Great and Dear Leaders.

When we arrive in Wonsan they have their own version

  This is the view from my hotel room - very pleasant - as is my hotel room

 Hotel restaurant (above) and sign in the lift (below) - click on it to read 

After lunch we visit a Children's Camp - except we can't see much because the kids are leaving.

 Above and below are from a typical 5 bed room. When did you last see a phone like that?

 Then we get to walk back to the hotel  - so much better than always getting on and off the bus

Our hotel

 And then we walk out on the pier/walkway you can see above

 It appears that Kim Jong Il has been here before us - except he came by boat.

I think the sun shining right on the lighthouse is a good sign

For dinner we get to skip the bus trip again and walk into town to the restaurant. When we come out it is dark - really dark

The video clip was taken right in the middle of town

...except there is good lighting for this