About

I'm an expat Californian who is obsessed with traveling to strange and exotic destinations in the former Communist Bloc. I also like tacos, beer, surfing, trapshooting, and the geopolitics of oil. I currently live in Arlington, Virginia and work in Washington, DC. Read more about me here, check out my photo album, or send me an e-mail.

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    China photos

    Prior to heading to North Korea, I spent a few days in Beijing. Here are photos from my visits to Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall (Juyongguan section), and the China North International Shooting Range. Separate posts for each of those once I finish writing about North Korea in five [...]

    I have returned from the People’s Republics

    I arrived back in Arlington last night (and two hours early, thanks to a very nice Continental Airlines representative) from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China. I’m still trying to process everything, but this was definitely the most bizarre and interesting trip I have ever taken. It [...]

    Off to Beijing

    I’m catching a flight from DCA to Newark tomorrow morning and then a direct flight to Beijing, which is going to be a hellish 14-15 hours. I’m sure I’ll be sitting next to several screaming children as well. Arrive in Beijing on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday I plan to shoot AK-47s and other [...]

    North Korea: The Itinerary

    Theoretically, if all goes according to plan and the North Korean government has approved my visa, this is my trip’s itinerary. I’m especially looking forward to the bowling.
    Tues 8th Sep
    AM: Bus from office to airport.
    PM: Flight JS152 from Beijing to Pyongyang, 13:00 departure, arrive Pyongyang 16:25, meet your Korean guides who will accompany you [...]