Return from Oz

The early morning departure from Pyong Yang was predictably frenzied, as are most departures from impoverished places. After much ballyhoo, paperwork, jostling about with luggage and finally check in, we headed up to the departure hall, which was decidedly serene. Of course there were only two arrivals and two departures scheduled that day, you see.

Arrival back in Beijing was culture shock in reverse! It is odd to be back in Beijing and feel like I am suddenly on Michigan Avenue......man, colors, people, signs, advertising, traffic.........coming out of Pyong Yang feels a lot to me like getting off a longish ship voyage: The earth seems unsteady suddenly. Some of our circle gather at the Club Lounge at the Peninsula for a drink to compare notes. Odd to be speaking freely again without concern for our minders! And yet we're in the heart of the world's largest Communist regime! Onward to Bali for some much needed rest and rumination...We crammed a lot into a short amount of time!