Pyongyang Trams and Observations from a Short Trip on the Kowngbok (Liberation) Line

Given the dearth of private vehicles in North Korea ordinary citizens rely on public transport to get around, where they cannot walk or cycle to their desired destinations. In Pyongyang public transport comprises a metro (underground) system, trams, trolley-buses and buses. This is supplemented by an increasing number of taxis but due to their extremely high cost, compared to other forms of public transport, they are really only an option for the upper and (growing) middle classes.

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Korean Stamp Exhibition Hall – North Korean Stamps – Expect the Unexpected

In my childhood I was a passionate stamp collector and still today I will often pick up some stamps as souvenirs when I travel, particularly when I visit what might be termed more obscure countries in the stamp collecting world.

The Kwangbok Department Store – Let’s Go Shopping

Unless in the middle of the night, when I arrive at any destination the first thing I do, having dropped off my bags at the hotel, is to go out for a walk in the neighbourhood. The walk will invariably lead to a coffee or another beverage suitable to the time of day or my mood and, if I come across one, a look through a market or shop. Not so in North Korea.

Hoeryong – Snacking, Wining, Dining and Sleeping

As usual we had an early start to the day, so as to fit in a final sightseeing stop in Chongjin prior to heading inland on our 2 – 3 hours drive to Hoeryong. En route we stopped at a small unmarked shop which sold bottled water (for a few cents) from the adjacent bottling plant which our guides assured us produced the best water in North Korea. A plaque by the shop detailed the makeup of the water for those seeking additional assurance in this regard.

Various Shops: “Souvenir shopping in Flåm”

With nearly 150 cruise ships, countless other boats, a few thousand buses, thousands of train passengers and people in their own vehicles visiting Flåm each year it is little wonder that there are more souvenir shops than any other type of business in the small village of Flåm.

Frock-up For The Gundagai Theatre

Moving back down onto Sheridan Street having view the former Gundagai Literary Institute we come across another former cultural institution – the Gundagai Theatre. ‘My what a terribly cultured place this Gundagai is’, I hear you say.

Eating And Other Ways To Spend Your Money At Five Mile Creek

As well as stopping here on the Hume Highway, on the outskirts of Gundagai, to see the Dog on the Tuckerbox and what little that is left of Carberry’s Inn this is also a major rest stop along the highway connecting Sydney and Melbourne – about 4hrs from Sydney and just over that from Melbourne. It is also about 2hrs drive from Canberra, Australia’s Capital.

Rundle Mall – Shops, Pigs, Balls and a Fountain

Rundle Street is Adelaide’s main shopping street, the western and longer part of which is pedestrianised and forms Rundle Mall. It runs parallel to North Terrace where museums, universities, etc are located.

Excess Baggage Charges – No Worry Here

One thing I can guarantee almost anyone is that you are unlikely to get hit with excess baggage charges on leaving the island and this is not due to lax airport or shipping agent check-in procedures but rather that there is virtually nothing to buy on Ascension Island.

Tourist Guide Centre: “Dining in Sinuiju”

Perhaps my title conjures up illusions of grandeur and fine dining in Sinuiju. Perhaps the less ostentatious title ‘eating in Sinuiju’ might have been more appropriate.