Ryu2.mind

I consider myself to enjoy travelling, and there are many places on my list to go to. But I've recently been struck by a sudden, burning urge to visit North Korea during these past few days that's constantly been hovering in my head. Yes, North Korea, even though being 100% NOT Korean, I haven't the least bit of familial or patriotic ties there. Of course, getting in with a US passport is at best, difficult -- it's one of those countries in the world where US citizenship is a handicap rather than a benefit, so I have no idea how this mad quest will end.

Nevertheless, I've been surfing all the North Korea related sites I can find, including this apparently official portal.

I think part of my desire, interestingly enough, stems out of my passion for China -- for whatever happens to North Korea, it will have significant impact China and its strategic situation... whether it be collapse (an influx of refugees that China will need to deal with), peaceful reunification (an economic superpower to potentially rival Japan), or war on the peninsula (echoes of the past).

Much more of it comes from my conviction (optimistic as they may be) from hearing firsthand reports from reliable sources that North Korea will not last much longer in its current form. I want to see the world's last and purest hard-line Stalinist state for myself, and just see and appreciate (if one can use that word) exactly what tens of millions of people, my fellow Chinese brethren included, lived under during much of the 20th century. Like, say, a bit of unspoiled countryside, once it's gone, it's gone for good.

Anyhow, a friend of mine is there right now which makes the desire even more real for me -- I'm thinking a lot about him, and eagerly waiting for the chance to talk with him freely when he returns.