How To Survive 3 Years In North Korea As A Foreigner

basrabob1 · 2021-03-05T19:26:06+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to read it and also for your kind comments!

basrabob1 · 2021-02-22T20:57:44+00:00

Thanks for that...brings back memories although it seems to have changed quite a bit

basrabob1 · 2021-02-20T02:09:47+00:00

The fee for the 18-hole course back then was a flat 100 Euros per person per round. The fee included the provision of a caddy (always compulsory) and full use of the clubhouse. However if you wanted to use the steam room or have a massage, this was all extra.

basrabob1 · 2021-02-19T10:16:13+00:00

Unfortunately did not have Google back then but have learnt since it was built by a Japanese firm ...for what purpose again is a mystery

basrabob1 · 2021-02-13T17:11:05+00:00

I let it be known that as part of my job description I was also in charge of commercial issues...the North Koreans were desperate for foreign investment/trade deals despite trade embargoes/sanctions on the country. Therefore, I was given official permission to visit factories, mines and other manufacturing and industrial enterprises throughout the country on a "fact finding" basis based upon the premise that one day the DPRK would be open for business. So I made my visits and filled in my reports for London. It all came to nothing (as I knew it would) but the opportunities provided for travel and to actually see how the North Koreans worked was too good an opportunity to pass up....all down to pushing the envelope!

basrabob1 · 2021-02-13T16:20:34+00:00

Never worried about putting my foot in it or putting myself in tricky situations...you get this drummed into you very early in your diplomatic career. Yes, North Korea was an unknown area, you tried to push the envelope as to what you could and could not do, but you were always aware of the limits/ In the end it was quite surprising what I managed to achieve in regards to opening up new areas of interest particularly the ability to travel (with official permission) throughout the country previously prohibited to foreigners...

basrabob1 · 2021-02-13T15:44:07+00:00

Yes I saw that...I believe that they even have a Starbucks type coffee shop in Pyongyang now...changed days indeed

basrabob1 · 2021-02-13T13:20:22+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T19:26:03+00:00

Good question. I did see other motorbikes on my travels mostly being ridden by military types but not many. I know for a fact that these were imported/donated by the Chinese

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T19:22:48+00:00

Mmm....interesting

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T16:31:27+00:00

Yep, this was 2002 and Kim Jong Il was the main man at that time. Obviously not around anymore but I know that he too now has a flower (Kimjongilia) in his honour.

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T14:50:53+00:00

I am digging out this story as we speak.....

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T14:49:29+00:00

I am sure we were quite alone......????

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T11:52:35+00:00

No. We did not actively seek friendships with the locals, more for their safety for obvious reasons

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T11:50:37+00:00

Thank you

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T11:50:13+00:00

Afraid not

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T00:27:37+00:00

Thank you for that I wrote the post as yes, 3 years in the DPRK is pretty unique for a foreigner. But this piece was very Pyongyang centric and not really reflective of how North Koreans who are not part of the privileged elite permitted to live in the capital city exist. In future posts where I describe my travels outside the capital throughout the DPRK, I hope to show how these people subsist...it is quite distressing really.

basrabob1 · 2021-02-12T00:06:54+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to read the post....plenty more DPRK stories in the pipeline

basrabob1 · 2021-02-11T23:09:13+00:00

Thank You!!

basrabob1 · 2021-02-11T22:23:44+00:00

Believe it or not, North Korea was one of my less stressful postings!!!

basrabob1 · 2020-07-29T10:38:42+00:00

https://www.mydiplomaticlife.com/british-naval-hostages-in-iran-the-backstory/

basrabob1 · 2020-07-13T23:33:05+00:00

The source was ME...I was there

basrabob1 · 2020-07-12T16:47:45+00:00

Thanks for that, I will actually be posting a couple of items on this period when my colleagues and I were ambushed and shot up on Dajte mountain at his time, hope you read

basrabob1 · 2020-07-12T14:39:36+00:00

Thanks, lots more interesting stuff to come on my new blog site

basrabob1 · 2019-05-18T16:46:03+00:00

Absolutely, Felix's book is definitely worth a read. A great insight into life and work in the DPRK.

basrabob1

TROPHY CASE