Like most travelers to North Korea, my journey started in Beijing where I picked up my tourist visa card.

I didn't really expect to go to the DPRK without being forced to participate in their rituals. When in Rome, do as the Romans do right?

I got up at 6AM to catch breakfast at 6:30AM so we can depart by 6:45AM. Most of the tourists were still asleep so the hotel restaurant with the breakfast buffet was empty.

As much as I enjoy basking in the fictitious glories of communism, I really miss freedom and having personal space. It's definitely been an angsty trip for me.