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 communist firearms and then hike part of the Great Wall (one of the steepest parts, which I’m sure is awesome when you are jet-lagged). If my visa is approved for North Korea I will be there September 8-12 and then back to DC late night on September 13. I have a 10 day supply of cipro and plenty of imperialist Yankee candy, beef jerky, and trail mix. Should be an interesting trip.

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 during your stay. En route to the hotel stop off at the Arch of Triumph – similar to the French version (but bigger) – commemorates the liberation from Japanese rule, the Fountain Park a picturesque area in the centre of Pyongyang (an opportunity to mix with locals), and the Mansudae Grand Monument – statue of DPRK President Kim Il Sung. Check in hotel. MASS GAMES
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

Wed 9th Sep
AM: DPRK Holiday – National Day: Mangyongdae Native House – birthplace of the DPRK founder Kim Il Sung, Pyongyang Metro – the deepest in the world, take a ride with the locals, picnic in local park

PM: Moranbong Park to mingle with the locals on their day off, Pyongyang Funfair, expected evening Mass Dance in Kim Il Sung Square
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

Thurs 10th Sep
AM: Kumsusan Memorial Palace – Mausoleum where President Kim Il Sung lies in state, Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery – bronze busts of the Koreans who died fighting the Japanese occupation

PM: Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum (Korean War Museum) – hear and see the DPRK version of the conflict, USS Pueblo – tour the American espionage ship captured in 1968, Juche Tower – 150m stone tower with lookout platform at the top and great panoramic views of the city, Monument to Party Foundation – commemorates 50 years of Workers’ Party rule, drive to Kaesong (2.5 hrs) – a historical city near the DMZ which avoided being destroyed in the Korean War, check into the Folk Hotel where guests sleep on the floor in the traditional Korean style.
OVERNIGHT: Minsok Hotel, Kaesong

Fri 11th Sep
AM: Panmunjom/DMZ – boundary between North and South Korea, Koryo Museum – preserved Confucian museum in the old part of town, local park in Kaesong

PM: Return to Pyongyang (2.5 hrs), bookshop, stamp shop, Golden Lane Bowling Centre – where Pyongyangers go for their ten-pin fix, also has some early 90s arcade games
OVERNIGHT: Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

Sat 12th Sep
AM: Flight JS151 from Pyongyang to Beijing, 09:15 departure. End of Tour