I read this article in Time Magazine, originally from the Economist. Sun, sex and Stalinism details the logistics of travels and journeys to North Korea, where you can explore one of the most tightly controlled countries in the world. On a short leash of course. Hotels are sequestered, an escort is arranged at all times, and propaganda is always staring you in the face.

Yes those are North Korean kids dressed up as eggs.

GLOBAL capitalism has worked many wonders, but where in the free world can one see 10,000 children dancing in synchronisation, dressed as eggs?

Many travellers harp on the propaganda: blocks of flats are topped with neon exhortations to “turn a corner in the economy” and suchlike, and murals depict hearty workers striding forward, perhaps trampling a star-spangled banner or two as they go. At Pyongyang’s “Kaeson Youth Funfair”—home of the world’s most genuinely frightening rollercoaster—the crossbow stall’s painted targets are of big-nosed American soldiers and glowering Japanese. It seems that the tourist board realises the ironic appeal of such things: painted replicas of some of the most over-the-top bits of propaganda are for sale, and a post office does a roaring trade in stamps depicting mighty fists crushing Western imperialist aggressors. (Oddly, there is also a Princess Diana commemoration set.)

by James Van Dellen