View from the 19th floor of the Chongnyon Hotel, Kwangbok Street, Pyongyang. University students march to celebrate their graduation, 31 March, 2006.

Standing outside Kumsusan Memorial Palace where President Kim Il Sung lies in state. I have now seen Lenin, Mao and Kim Il Sung – a notable treble!

Tim Kearns, Hugh and Sarah Gollan and Sarah Drum with the Principal and music students of June 9 Taedong Middle School No. 1 (DPRK-NZ Friendship School) on the day of the 2nd anniversary of NZ Friendship Society ties with the school. The students sang, danced and gave us a tour of the school. This is one of the three schools I taught at

At the Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia Flower International Flower Exhibition on the Day of the Sun (Kim Il Sung’s Birthday), 15 April 2006

Overlooking Pyongyang from the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery. I am standing with Mr. Kim who was one of my tour guides when I traveled to Korea, with Koryo Tours, in October 2004. Mr. Kim appears in the recent Nick Bonner photograph book, ‘Welcome to Pyongyang, ‘released in 2007.

Standing beside the driveway of my hotel, on a beautiful Pyongyang Spring day, with Kwangbok St in the background. My hotel, and Kwangbok St, were built to coincide with the 1989 World Youth Games held in Pyongyang.

Having fun with the workers on May Day! Apart from three cigar smoking Cubans, I was the only foreigner at Mangyongdae Fun Park.

Attempting a Korean balancing game on Kumsong College’s Sports Day. I was on Lightening team (the school students and teachers are divided into Thunder and Lightening teams), but, unfortunately, we did not live up to our name and came……2nd.

6th Grade students at Kumsong Middle School No. 1. Note that at two of the schools I taught at, Kumsong Middle School No.1 and Kumsong College (the elite schools), there were only male students. The schools are divided into a computer section and an arts section. Girls can attend the arts section. I asked why they weren’t in the computer part of the school. “Girls don’t do computers,” was the reply. That is where my inquiry ended. Near the end of my time in Pyongyang the Arts School Principal asked me to take some English lessons in his area. While I have no complaints about the computer boys – they were enthusiastic, energetic and hard working, the girls in the Arts School were so bubbly and willing to take more ‘risks’ in using the English language. They totally eclipsed the Art School boys who seemed rather timid. I hope, should I go back to teach in Pyongyang, to have more time teaching in the Arts School.

I introduced the students to ‘Barrier Activities.’ This is where one student draws a basic picture then describes it to a buddy, who in turn, draws what he hears. It’s quite an effective listening activity used commonly in ESOL classrooms in NZ. I had asked them to draw a room for homework. One creative student arrived with this!

6th Grade (16 year old) students at Kumsong Middle School No. 1.

‘All The Young Dudes!” The whole of the 6th Grade at Kumsong Middle School No.1 – Pyongyang’s most central school. An outstanding group and a pleasure to teach. Most will go onto careers in computers with the odd few wanting to go into the army. I think one said he’d like to be a teacher! These students really made me feel welcome at their school and I was surprised with just how open and inquiring they were

The opening spiel made by one of the English teachers at Taedong Middle School No. 1 – The NZ/DPRK Friendship School.

: 6th Grade students at June 9 Taedong Middle School No 1, Pyongyang.

Morning exercises at Kumsong College. I took part in these exercises each day with the teachers and the students. I was kind of tempted to take over and lead a fitness session Kiwi style! Maybe next time……

King of Koryo! Striking a regal pose at the Korean Film Studios. My boss, Mr. Kim, got a real kick out of this labelling me King Tim for the next few days! I highly recommend a visit to the film studios.

Some of the male English teachers at Kumsong College.

Some of the female teachers at Kumsong College laughing at one of my weak jokes!

: One of the many social occasions I shared with teachers at the end of a busy day teaching. This little bar/restaurant in attached to Kumsong College. There was always singing, dancing, good jokes and great beer.

: 4th Grade students at Kumsong Middle School No. 1 taking part in a discussion activity.

With some of my Comrades at the Chongnyon Hotel (where I stayed) Bar. Two Koreans, two Poles, one Chinese and a Kiwi. This was during the World Cup soccer and North Korea would play games delayed (up to 2/3 days later) at 10pm. Together we watched a South Korea game. I cheered heartily for South Korea and everyone else joined in!

While a teacher should never have favourites, I have to say that Class 2.1 at Kumsong College was a favourite. These guys were full of the joys of life and eager to learn their English. I taught them ‘Maui and the Sun,’ and they acted it out beautifully. They put their heart and soul into it.

In front of the Tower of the Juche idea during a late afternoon stroll in central Pyongyang.

The NZ/DPRK Friendship School put a sports day on in my honour. Here I am coming a distant last (again) in one of the events. I wished they had a bit of footy or cricket!

The lads readying themselves for a traditional game of ‘Try to Steal the Opponents Hat While on Someone’s Shoulders, Trying to Avoid Being Knocked Over!’ This game was total madness – they breed ‘em tough in the DPRK.

The NZ/DPRK Friendship School farewelled me with the sports and this banquet. It was quite overwhelming the effort they put in. I was plied with beer and food, and traditional entertainment was provided by some of the students.

The foreign contingent I got to know at my hotel took me out for a BBQ at the Pyongyang Circus Restaurant. This was a fun (and long!) evening of frivolity

The Monument to the Workers Party of Korea - one of the many staggering monuments to the Party. President Kim IL Sung added the writers brush to the hammer and sickle as he acknowledged the importance of intellectuals.

Farewell to ‘My Team’ at the Pyongyang Station.

Hugh and Sarah Gollan remind me where I’m headed! The train winds its way through the border towns of Sinuiju (Korea) and Dandong (China) before making its way to Beijing. The contrast between the border towns is worth the price of admission alone.