Saturday, November 5th I awoke very early in the morning to catch a 7 AM bullet train to Dandong, China along with the rest of our group plus our Chinese friend.

Situated on the banks of the Yalu river, Dandong is the largest border city in China and responsible for half of North Korea’s trade.

Upon arrival in Dandong, a large statue of Chairman Mao was present outside of the railway station and further down the street after a few twists and turns sat North Korea just on the other side of the Yalu.

Looking through the thick smog and haze, I looked up and down the river at the nation of North Korea. With mostly farming to the north and just a few buildings to the south I was able to gain a new perspective on this nation.

At the end of the bridge connecting China and North Korea I could make out an amusement park that was not running and looked abandoned as well as a freighter cargo ship that was half way on land.

Seeing North Korea from the Chinese side really gives you a different view of life elsewhere and makes you realize how great you have it in America.