(Left to right) The unfinished 105-story Ryugyong Hotel, Anjaly Thomas' book titled 'There are no Gods in North Korea' and The Juche Tower. Photo: Anjaly ThomasAnjaly Thomas, an author and globetrotter from Wayanad, Kerala has explored several popular tourist destinations across the globe. This time, however, after having packed her five precious travel essentials - passport, wallet, toothbrush, camera and change of clothes, Anjaly who is currently settled in Dubai, set out to explore Kim Jong-Un's land.
Wonder why? Anjaly's answer could be her book, titled 'There are no Gods in North Korea,' which will be released on May 6, 2016. The book will hit the stands on April 15, 2016. Luckily for our readers, Onmanorama caught up with Anjaly early on, even as she was gearing up for her book release. Excerpts.
North Korea, the strange choice
Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea (DPRK) aka North Korea is a media favourite – it always seemed very different to me, or so it was portrayed. That's what created a desire to visit the place. Now that I have seen it, I can vouch for the fact that everything we heard about that country holds water. It is different, in every way imaginable. Well, I don’t claim to be an expert – because I was just exploring the place as a tourist, that too over a very short period of five days. I suppose I was driven by a traveller's curiosity to see what the world media claimed was a rogue nation. I wanted to see the ordinary life of North Korea. But that was a totally different ball game - interaction with the locals is frowned upon and can easily land you in trouble. There is no concept of rights and liberty and there is a huge difference between the Juche Philosophy and the reality in DPRK – but I suppose that is what the reality of DPRK is.
The world's most dangerous border – The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Photo: Anjaly ThomasPreparations for the trip of a lifetime
I didn't really prepare for the trip as it was organised by a tour agency. It is not as though we had any choice in the matter – it was a custom-made tour. You took what they gave you – that’s all.
Also, one doesn’t just go to DPRK! There are certain regulations. We have to apply through authorised tour agencies in Beijing (unless you are invited by the DPRK govt), who then run a check on you before giving you the approval to visit. It did take a while but it happened.
Anjaly Thomas standing before the statues of Kim Jong-Un in North Korea. Photo: Anjlay ThomasLessons learnt
I am grateful for every day I live and breathe free. I am thankful for every morsel of food I eat, and for the Gods I pray to. I am happy for the choices I have – the choice of saying Yes or No. Don’t get me wrong - normal people live in DPRK, rich people too – they have cars, buildings, bowling alleys and trams – what they do not have is the freedom to choose or decide. Small joys are hard to come by and it is possible to wear a smile even in the face of adversities – I saw that in the people of North Korea.
Anjaly Thomas at North Korea. Photo: Anjaly Thomas* North Korea – safe for tourists*
Tourists are constantly watched over, not allowed to go anywhere without supervision and are not allowed any contacts with anyone not authorised to speak with them. This rules out every chance of foul plays; there won't be any bag snatching, molestation or robbery. The catch is that your are safe as long as you play by their rules – it might seem too demanding, but it pays. There have been incidents of people getting arrested for something as silly as carrying a book or folding newspapers with the picture of the ruler – but that is another story.
Tourists are not allowed to interact with the local residents. Hence, there weren't too many problems with regards to communication. We were always “minded” by guides who speak English well. The guides were well groomed, polite and knowledgeable.
Travel to know life better
Ffine silver and gold cutlery is to used to serve only tourist at Kaesong, North Korea. Photo: Anjaly ThomasIf you want to take your education to the next level – travel. Travel is an eye opener like no other – it gives you an entirely new and different perspective of life, which is essential in being happy in daily life. If you desire to travel, you must – and nothing should come in between that desire and execution, because travel makes you a different person. You start thinking differently and that difference can be very productive. It makes you think outside the box.
Anjaly Thomas with a guard at the DMZ. Photo: Anjaly ThomasSee the world. Everything you would see and experience is new and anything new means new information and knowledge- and you can’t go wrong with that! Richness of thought and actions cannot happen if you are a couch potato; in a real world, real people exists; their ideas, thoughts, culture and food are real; and that is the reality you get to see when you travel.
