OLIVER JOEST

Tag: storytelling

  • How I found paradise and lost it

    How I found paradise and lost it

     From Seoul I took a plane halfway across the Pacific ocean to arrive on the islands of Hawaii. My days in Waikiki where dominated by two major experiences: Lack of funding and surfing. Coming from Asia and half a year of cheap sleeping, eating and loads of adventures I was shocked by the cost of…

  • Mangyŏngdae – Kim Il-sung’s Birthplace

    Mangyŏngdae – Kim Il-sung’s Birthplace

    The rumoured birthplace of the Leader Kim Il-sung is situated in a park called Mangyŏngdae. Complete with a fun fair the hill holds an ensemble of three huts in pristine condition. Inside you can find depictions and utensils that the family of the leader has used to make a living. There is a cold noodle…

  • Grand Ryugyong Hotel

    Grand Ryugyong Hotel

    As with many things in socialism this building represents the great aspirations of the leaders to show the world how successful the socialist idea can be. I’ve seen this grandeur when I first visited Warsaw in the end of 1990s. The main station was nothing more than a giant concrete hull full of ornaments and…

  • Canyon View Trail and Elk Falls

    Canyon View Trail and Elk Falls

    The parking lot on Discovery Pier in Campbell River proved to be a good starting point for all kinds of exploration. Be it marine wildlife or a good day on the trails in the area. Walking along the Canyon View trail gave me an idea of the wide and rich amount of forests and wildlife…

  • Flatulent Whales

    Flatulent Whales

    On Vancouver Island there is a whole industry dedicated to the exploration of wildlife. Tour operators specialize in bears, eagles, seals and of course whales. While on Hawaii it wasn’t possible to see any whales. They cross the streams around the islands only from December to May. But Vancouver Island is a good spot for…

  • On the off road to Telegraph Cove

    On the off road to Telegraph Cove

    After a night under the brightest stars on a camping spot at the shore of upper Campbell Lake I went swimming in the lake at the morning to wake me up. A freezing body wash and a reheating coffee later i was following a recommendation of a forum user on a travel website. I took…

  • Kim-Il Sung square after the rain

    Kim-Il Sung square after the rain

    When we first entered the DPRK at the train station of Sinuiju I felt overwhelmed. The train just crosses over a bridge from the Chinese town of Dandong where our group of three had breakfast in a KFC restaurant a few minutes ago. You would post last status messages using the restaurant provided WiFi hotspot…