Hello last day in the DPRK.

The final day was by far the most impressive, even though I was ill for most of it. We started off by seeing the International Friendship Exhibition in the mountains. This was... not what I expected. There were tons of guards, all with chrome plated AK-74s. In the side of the mountain was this massive, and I repeat, MASSIVE complex absolutely full of stuff given to Kim Fill-in-the-blank-here from whomever the hell wants to give him something. Private citizens, organizations, you name it. This complex was astounding. The guide said if you wanted to see every room, it would take 1.5 years. I think that is a gross overstatement, but I could believe a month. We went down labyrinth after labyrinth, corridor after corridor of numbered rooms, only stopping at the ones relevant to the nationalities of our group members. Unfortunately, there are no photos allowed, and they're pretty strict on security. So, there's that. I did get some photos when we were outside though. Future Weg should put them here. Quite pretty.

After a lengthy drive back, we got to see the Grand People's Study Hall (meh), and the Children's Palace. The Children's Palace was far more impressive, but it felt like charade after charade. "Oh let's just duck in this room to see what the children are studying!" Meanwhile, there is an orchestra of students waiting for all of us to sit down to play their song. "Oh we're so lucky, they're going to do a show soon!" We were the only audience members. If felt like 100% bullshit, but I will admit the performances were very impressive. These kids have practiced untold hours to perfect their craft, and I have to have a certain respect for them. But also a certain amount of pity. They're practicing so much just to put on a show for the few tourists that come through. I really wish they had spent that time playing, or just being a kid.

My illness finally just about gone, we stopped at the largest hotel in the city. We were given an hour to have a drink, post mail back home, or go up to the top floor. The bottom had a casino oddly enough run by the Chinese. I shot the shit with them, and made friends when I told them I was from Hangzhou. I decided to change in 100 RMB for casino tokens and play some blackjack. Turns out luck was definitely on my side, because I walked out with my original 100 RMB plus $40. I thought it was funny they gave dollars as change, but whatever. I'll need them soon. I don't have a way to caclulate it at the moment, but thats about 100 RMB to 320 RMB. Not a bad 30 minutes of playing at all. Also it'll be fun to put the long estranged dollars back into circulation.

And now here we are, back at the hotel. My days here in the DPRK have been pretty hit and miss, and overall it has changed my mind as to what I thought of the country. Some good, some bad. Maybe next post I'll rundown a summary of thoughts, because this country is more than what it seems.

Ugh, those three photos took almost 30 minutes to upload. I'm looking forward to reliable internet again.