North Korea is a land of contradictions. Because of its communist state, tourism is not something that is encouraged. Still you can get into North Korea, but it is not a place for a family vacation. A visit to North Korea will require that you are part of an accepted group.

Myohyangsan

Taking the bus from Pyongyang will bring you to this mountain, waterfall and museum. Because of its communist persuasion, this attraction has the distinction of being untouched by mass tourism as so many treasures of the Orient can attest to. In the summer, this site is the place to be with its abundance of fragrant flowers. Most visit the site because of the two shrines that are considered to be vast areas where you can observe all the presents that have been gifted to the president with an eternal distinction, Kim II Sung.

Paekdusan

This site is home to one of the most stunning vistas that can be found in all of North Korea. It boasts a volcanic mountaintop that features at its center a crater lake that comes with key importance to the Korean people because of its mythical properties. The volcano is now extinct, but its presence is still revered by its denizens.

Panmunjeom

American imperialism is on display at this war memorial to the Korean population. It was here that the end of a long and bloody battle was called to an end and the North Korean people are more than happy to show what interference can do to a country. Coming to Panmunjeom gives the visitor a unique perspective of a war that has always been questioned for its end results.

So if you are an adventurous traveler, then visiting North Korea will not daunt you and you can come away from your experience a little wiser and a lot more thankful.

When you travel to a foreign land it is always advised that you are well versed in the everyday courtesies.  This is especially true when you travel to regions that have entirely different cultures and customs that are foreign to your own way of living. This is true in Indonesia, and before you take your long dreamed of trip to this exotic country, brush up on some of the do and don’ts so that you don’t make any faux pas.

When in Indonesia, handshakes are typical greetings for men and even some women. But there are Muslim women that only acknowledge an introduction to a male with just a nod and a smile.

When meeting a woman in Indonesia, let the lady initiate a handshake. The typical greeting or in the native tongue, “salam,” bears a resemblence to a traditional handshake, but both hands are used and no grasping is involved.

When a man offers his two hands, he typically touches the friend who has his hands outstretched. He then will bring his hands to his chest to indicate “I greet you from my heart.” Tourists when presented with this greeting should respond to the “salam” with the same.

If you are going to visit a native at their home, it is expected that you call before arriving to be polite. Whenever you enter an Indonesian’s home, your shoes should always be removed. If a drink is offered to you it is the custom to accept it.

Whenever you are eating, giving or receiving an object, it is customary that the right hand is used. The forefinger on the right hand is never used to point at any person, place or thing. You should instead use the right hand thumb with your four fingers folded.

If you are going to enter a mosque, temple or other place of worship, it is customary to again remove your shoes. It may be required that robes and scarves cover women, so do not reject the offering. If you want to take a picture when you are visiting a holy place, be sure that you ask permission before you click your camera.

Though many cultures use a toast to bring about fellowship and commaraderie, the Muslim people do not drink alcohol, so refrain from raising a toast no matter how comfortable you are feeling.

It is always a plus to visitors to understand the ways of a culture that is different from their own. It will allow the traveler to have a richer experience without the chance to insult the hosts.