Different From Other Cities

A peaceful morning looking out the window from my room at the Yanggakdo International Hotel. A hotel on a small island in the middle of the Taedong River, Pyongyang, North Korea. With views of the pyramidal Ryugyong Hotel breaking the skyline in the distance and the flame atop the Juche Tower along the river, Pyongyang distinguishes itself from other cities with its architecture and slices of grandeur.

It's a city I've visited twice, because once wasn't enough, and I know I'll be back, I just don't know when I'll fit it in. Like an onion, just when you think you've fully explored it, you realize you can peel back another layer and find new gems. It's not a city nor a country that will reveal herself all at once to you. You need to put in the effort, enjoy its quirks and nuisances, and play the part of the curious but respectful and welcome guest.