Kakadu National Park: Australia’s big backyard secret

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A family trip to Kakadu2:16

Explore one of Australia's most amazing national parks

• March 22nd 2013
• 4 years ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Travel/

Explore beautiful Kakadu.

IT WAS nary a blip on travellers’ radars when Crocodile Dundee leapt on to cinema screens more than 30 years ago, with Paul Hogan telling the world, “this is my backyard”.

Fast forward to today and Kakadu National Park – Australia’s largest national park and home to some of the oldest rock art in the world – is still revealing its secrets. It’s a land of waterfalls and natural infinity pools. Of sprawling wetlands and millions of migratory birds. It’s a place where you can spot crocodiles, eat them and even sleep inside one – the indigenous-owned Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (kakadutourism.com) in Jabiru is one of the Northern Territory’s most endearing man-made icons.

And finally, it seems, Aussies are waking up to the riches of our big backyard and discovering Kakadu for themselves. Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel general manager Richard McArthur says the hotel’s biggest growth in the past 12 months has come from the domestic market.

“Last year, we saw much lower than average rainfall during the wet season, which I believe created an increase in confidence regarding accessibility,” he says.

Yellow Water in Kakadu National Park. Picture: Tourism Australia/Ellenor ArgyropoulosSource:Supplied

WHY VISIT

With a dual UNESCO World Heritage listing, the depth of Aboriginal culture, epic landscapes and wildlife in Kakadu is staggering, and access is only a few hours from Darwin.

“There are so many amazing activities to do but the availability of many varies depending on what time of year you visit,” McArthur says.

“Year-round, we recommend our guests take a Yellow Water Cruise, a scenic flight over the park and watch the sunset at Ubirr. This way, they will be assured of an experience that encompasses nature, culture, beauty and adventure.”

WHEN TO VISIT

Most places in the world experience the four seasons but in Kakadu the local Bininj/Mungguy people recognise six seasons, which means the experience at different times of year can be vastly different.

“The wet season is a great time to visit the park due to the fact that you can get great value and see the park when it is looking green, luscious and all the flora, fauna and wildlife are most active,” McArthur says.

“A wet season scenic flight over the top of Jim Jim and Twin falls when the water is rushing and experiencing the vastness of the region is a really memorable experience.

“Typically, the dry season months of June to October are popular because there is access to swimming holes and waterfalls that would not be accessible in the wet.”

After the inaugural Kakadu Bird Week was deemed a success last year, the event will run again from October 1-7 (parksaustralia.gov.au). Kakadu is home to more than a third of Australia’s bird species and during this week twitchers can join tours with specialist bird guides and attend slide shows and talks.

Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park. Picture: Instagram/isometimestravelSource:Instagram

WHEN TO BOOK

The popularity of Kakadu coupled with limited accommodation options means booking well in advance is recommended for travel during the dry season.

It’s the reason pop-up glamping specialists Flash Camp are set to return with their 5m bell tents (replete with real beds, power and fans) for a second season at Cooinda Lodge from July to September.

While bookings are not yet open, you can register your interest on their website (flashcamp.com.au).

“There is more availability during the rest of the year and therefore you can get great value and often a more personal experience,” McArthur says.

“We would encourage potential visitors to do their homework and work out what it is that they want to experience and plan their holiday based around that.”

Mum pens heartfelt open letter to airline

Pet Peeves of Flight Attendants1:41

The top things that annoy your flight attendants.

• October 24th 2016
• 6 months ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Life/

AIRLINES have been getting plenty of bad PR lately.

In the past few weeks, the world reacted with fury as an injured passenger was filmed being dragged off a flight, a sobbing mother was allegedly “whacked” with her own baby buggy by a flight attendant, and a remarkably large rabbit mysteriously died in a plane’s cargo hold.

But this passenger’s account of what happened when “all hell broke loose” on a flight makes for a nice change.

The woman, Whitney Poyntz, has taken to Facebook to praise the “baby whisperer” flight attendant who soothed her screaming child on a recent flight.

Ms Poyntz said she was on a Webjet flight after a family holiday in Palm Springs, California, with her husband and four-month-old daughter when the baby was woken from her sleep and started to cry.

“Once the captain came on the intercom it woke her up, which is obviously no one’s fault,” Ms Poyntz explained.

“After being nursed back to sleep the headphones went in and we turned on our movies. About 30 mins later all hell broke loose.

“Not sure if it was gas or maybe pressure but we did not have a happy baby. Unfortunately those seats aren’t made for rocking or trying to put a baby back to sleep.”

The young mum said passengers around her weren’t happy with her daughter’s noisy display — until a flight attendant came to the rescue.

“Eyes glaring, sweat dripping down our foreheads trying to get her back to sleep, in comes the hero of the day ... a flight attendant named Ashley,” she said.

“Ashley came up to us and asked if she could take her and walk up and down the aisle.”

Ms Poyntz said she was initially unsure about whether she should let a stranger walk her screaming child up and down the aisle, but she said yes — and it worked.

“Now it may not seem __like a lot but the experience was amazing,” she continued.

“Never would I ever think someone would ever do that, volunteer to take your screaming child, but she did.

“Westjet (Ashley) I would __like to thank you for the over and above customer service (baby whispering) that you gave.

“Truly the greatest airline.”

Ms Poyntz’s post has attracted more than 10,000 likes and 8000 shares on Facebook.

Flight attendant explains most annoying rules about flying

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Pet Peeves of Flight Attendants1:41

The top things that annoy your flight attendants.

• October 24th 2016
• 6 months ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Life/

Parents are sometimes shocked to discover they should prioritise themselves over their child in an emergency — but there’s a good reason for it.

EVER wonder if there’s a method to our madness when the crew prepares your flight for takeoff and landing?

There’s a lot more than you might know. Here’s the thinking behind some of the rules and regulations.

SEAT BACKS IN THE UPRIGHT AND LOCKED POSITION

People love to roll their eyes when we have to ask them to bring their seat backs fully upright. That small amount of recline isn’t really going to make any difference in an emergency, is it?

It matters more than you might think.

Let’s start off by thinking of the person behind you. Try standing up straight when the seat in front of you is leaned back. You’ll notice it isn’t the easiest, especially with just how cramped economy class seating has become. In an emergency, when seconds count, reclined seats can cost you time trying to evacuate your row.

Also, those handy brace positions you absolutely, 100 per cent studied in your seat back card prior to departure? They become a lot less effective with the seat ahead of you reclined.

The second school of thought is that the force of an impact or immediate stop of an aircraft could cause more head and neck injuries if you’re flung forward from a supine position.

REFUSING TO GRANT OR DENY PERMISSION TO GET UP WHEN THE SEATBELT SIGN IS ON

There’s an absolutely hilarious Key & Peele skit that every flight attendant, including yours truly, finds to absolutely nail our struggles in the air.

In it, immediately after the captain turns on the seatbelt sign, a passenger decides to address his natural needs. A flight attendant appears just then to tell him that the seatbelt sign has been illuminated. The passenger continually challenges his ability to require him to remain restrained, to which the flight attendant will only repeat: “Seatbelt sign is on.” What follows is an intense face-off devolving into nonsensical babble and willed Jedi-style turbulence. (Fact: We have all had the turbulence fantasy. Many times.)

Having all seats locked in the upright position makes things safer in an emergency situation.Source:istock

This whole skit is borne from a frustrating truth: we cannot answer you one way or the other if you ask permission to get up to use the bathroom while the seatbelt sign is on. We are human, and we know that sometimes the seatbelt sign is on for an hour or two and you can’t be expected to hold it that long.

However, we would be violating the law by providing a response other than “The seatbelt sign is on.” By saying, “Be careful,” or “Wait until it isn’t so bumpy,” we can be personally fined by aviation authorities if we have an inspector on-board or you sue the airline should you get injured.

We must inform you that the sign is illuminated, and after that, the decision is left to you. (We can’t say that, either.) So don’t take it personally if we seem to be evasive — being “nice” can cost us thousands of dollars and a suspension or termination from work.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND PUTTING YOUR OXYGEN ON FIRST

People love the metaphoric value of this part of the safety briefing, and I can’t really blame them. In life, as on the plane, we are no good to others if we first aren’t good to ourselves. But the science to this is also kind of interesting.

For a parent, it is unthinkable to care for yourself over your child in an emergency. We instinctively will lay down our lives to protect them. But in the event of a decompression on-board, it is a matter of life or death.

The size of an adult body is, of course, much larger than a child’s, therefore requiring more oxygen. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen in the blood, causes our ability to react and use sound judgment to slow down significantly. Without supplemental oxygen, a person would continue to deteriorate, which makes getting on oxygen — as well as the captain rapidly descending to a much lower altitude — absolutely necessary.

Parents are sometimes shocked to discover they should prioritise themselves over their child in an emergency — but there’s a good reason for it.Source:Supplied

The time it takes before our ability to think clearly is known as TUC, or Time Of Useful Consciousness. The higher the flight level, the less time we have to think straight and remain aware of our situation. An average adult at 35,000 feet has between 30 and 60 seconds TUC. A child needs less oxygen and will therefore have a higher TUC.

The sooner your brain works, the better both your chances are.

‘KEEP MY INFANT … OUT OF MY SEATBELT?’

This one really gets some parents thinking we must truly be heartless. A parent often thinks that buckling a child in along with him or her is the best protection. But, in a sudden impact, the opposing pressure between a parent and the seatbelt can cause devastating injuries to an infant or toddler.

I have my own issues with the fact that lap children are even allowed on-board, though I’ve admittedly travelled with mine in my arms when two seats weren’t available. The US Federal Aviation Administration has stated that the alternative for a parent who cannot afford a plane ticket for a young child is to drive a car, which does not have the same impeccable safety record of commercial flight.

It’s a tough point to argue, although hopefully better methods than “just hold onto your kid the best you can” will evolve. Until then, belting a child in with you is absolutely not it.

All in all, you may not agree with the rules and regulations of flying, but don’t challenge them or give your crew a hard time. It isn’t difficult to comply with the rules, and the safe history of commercial flying is largely in part to their development.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you want to know more. We’re there primarily for your safety, so the better you understand, the better we’ve done our jobs.

This article originally appeared on FlyerTalk.

What it was like to stay at the Nude Hotel in Mexico

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Cruise nude on the Big Nude Boat0:50

See what it's __like to experience the freedom of clothes-free cruising with Bare Necessities Tour & Travel. With 25 years of experience Bare Necessities provides the luxury of deciding what not to wear

• January 25th 2016
• a year ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

What it was __like to stay at the Nude Hotel in Mexico. Photo: Danielle Ditzian

“IT’S just like National Geographic!” said the 20-something-year-old Swedish girl to my left. We sat there in awe on the balcony of Nude Hotel, all casually naked, yet surprised at what we were seeing.

Where on earth were we?!

Zipolite is a small, little-known town on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It not only boasts being the only legal nude beach in Mexico, but is often likened to a town stuck in the 1960s. With the entire beach being clothing optional, it is unlike anywhere else I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Still, seeing live porn was far more than I had witnessed in a town that usually only had people wandering casually around naked along the beach. This was an intense moment, even for my liberal self.

Danielle Ditzian letting it all hang out on Zipolite, the only legal nude beach in Mexico. Photo: Danielle DitzianSource:Supplied

Earlier that day I had been swimming naked when I’d met James, a nudist in his 50s who was staying at Nude Hotel. While the whole beach at Zipolite is clothing optional, most hotels require clothing — unless of course you’re staying at Nude Hotel, where pretty much anything goes.

James and I hit it off right away, so he invited me and my friend to hang out with them and a Swedish couple in their mid-twenties for their last evening in their beautiful room overlooking the ocean at Nude.

We excitedly accepted, having no idea what was in store for us that night.

And so we went silent, and I wondered how comfortable the others were. I’m by no means a prude, but these people were having sex right there in front of us all. The quiet that overcame the group was mildly unsettling, though I tried to tell myself that this was something completely natural, albeit not an everyday sight.

Enjoying a skinny dip at The Nude Hotel. Photo: Danielle DitzianSource:Supplied

The evening continued casually, as the couple finished and we continued to drink the night away sitting completely naked in a circle on the beautiful balcony.

While Nude Hotel can be quite pricey, they allow you to use their pool and facilities as long as you buy a drink or a meal — delicious and reasonably priced to be able to hang out in such a unique place.

I returned several days later to find a man taking luxurious photos of his wife on one of the beautiful beds overlooking the ocean. As if it was nothing, he held his camera and showed excitement — to put it lightly — at taking these photos. Yet there was no embarrassment or shame; no one cared that he was excited, as this was a place where everyone was free to be exactly who they wanted to be without judgment.

Danielle said it was ‘intense’, even for her ‘liberal self’. Photo: Danielle DitzianSource:Supplied

One of the most unique things about Zipolite is that it isn’t a purely nude beach, but instead clothing optional. This allows each person to act in a way that is most comfortable to them. A miracle occurs daily in Zipolite, as people from all walks of life and age ranges connect on a real and deep level — a level rarely found in real life, and that must be cherished and appreciated when it happens to be found.

While Nude itself is a bit pricey for my fellow Millennials to stay in, many hang out there to enjoy swimming naked in the pool, or chilling sipping a piña colada topless.

The beach is completely unique to other nude beaches. Many have assumed when I’ve mentioned Zipolite — my favourite place on planet earth — that it would be solely a bunch of old people wandering around naked.

Clothing is optional at The Nude Hotel. Photo: Danielle DitzianSource:Supplied

This could not be further from the truth. People of all ages roam free, letting it all out or staying clothed, yet accepting each other no matter what.

In recent years, more and more young people have been visiting Zipolite. People who I at first assume would never let it all hang out quickly drop their pants and hop in the water, as if it was nothing. It shouldn’t be anything strange, as it is only the human body. Still, this is a foreign concept to most.

I revisited Nude Hotel on several occasions, each time having a different experience. One day there was a nude wedding, the subsequent day filling the pool with children laughing and playing, all completely clothed.

The Nude Hotel welcomes people of all ages. Photo: Danielle DitzianSource:Supplied

“This,” I thought, “is not the day to go for a naked swim in the pool.”

Although odd to see so many children in Nude Hotel, it was glorious; it showed a versatility in the place, and I saw no one naked that particular day, as if everyone showed a courtesy, knowing that it might not be terribly appropriate to strip down in front of the children.

You don’t have to stay at The Nude Hotel to enjoy a cocktail by the pool in the nude. Photo: Danielle DitzianSource:Supplied

Thus ended another trip to Zipolite, the most liberal place I have been in my four years of gallivanting through the world. Sometimes I would be completely clothed, while others I’d sunbathe and swim with nothing but a necklace on. And this is the beauty of both Zipolite and Nude Hotel; everyone feels comfortable in their own skin, and knows their own beauty.

In a place where everyone is accepted, it is only natural to finally accept yourself for exactly who you are.

Danielle said the experience left her feeling more comfortable in her own skin. Photo: Danielle DitzianSource:Supplied

Danielle is a self-described “crazy nomad” who’s been on the road for more than four years straight, finding new homes as she hitchhikes along. She once hitched 6000 kilometres in six days. You can check out her blog (where she delights in oversharing) at like Riding a Bicycle, or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Why you need to visit Greenland: It could just be the most incredible place on Earth

The multicoloured houses of Greenland are a sight to behold. Picture: Chris Bray Photography

LURED by a distant chorus of sled dogs, my wife Jess and I wound our little wooden sailboat around the whales and icebergs of Greenland’s west coast towards Ilulissat in 2011.

Even before the mosaic of multicoloured houses slid into view from behind another glistening wall of ice, we knew we’d found something special.

While cruise ships sometimes visit Greenland’s desolate eastern coastline on their way to hot spots __like Iceland and Svalbard, the western side of the world’s largest island is truly spectacular, and only just waking to the world of tourism.

Since our first visit, Lonely Planet has listed Greenland as a “Top 10 Travel Destination” and with regular flights now from Iceland and Denmark, Greenland is fast becoming a must-see.

Here’s why we keep going back to this incredible place.

Not a bad view to wake up to. Picture: Chris Bray PhotographySource:Supplied

ICEBERGS

Bathed in 24hr sunlight above the Arctic Circle in summer, ‘Ilulissat’ literally means ‘Iceberg’ in Greenlandic.

This waterfront township is nestled right beside the enormous Jakobshavn Glacier, annually emptying some 35 billion tonnes of icebergs into the UNESCO world heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, making it one of the world’s most productive glaciers.

It’s believed that the iceberg that sank the Titanic likely originated from this very spot.

This is what ‘going for a walk’ looks __like in Greenland. Picture: Chris Bray PhotographySource:Supplied

WHALES

Six years ago we watched old wooden whaling boats (complete with harpoon guns) unload their catch upon the docks, and the whales we saw were understandably shy.

Returning last year to run a photography tour, it was wonderful to see these same old boats now converting to the more tourism-friendly activity of whale-watching tours, and a growing population of Humpback whales reliably cruising among the icebergs.

Whales, icebergs and the ‘golden hour’ lasting all night, it doesn’t get better than this. Picture: Chris Bray PhotographySource:Supplied

With the ‘golden hour’ of photography stretching on all night, these midnight-sun cruises around the whales and these exquisitely sculpted bergs is an experience like none other.

WILDLIFE

Behind the colourful houses, well-maintained hiking trails of varying lengths meander across the surrounding treeless landscape where wildlife including arctic fox, arctic hare and — if you’re lucky — even Muskox roam around on the tundra.

Just a couple of Arctic wolf puppies. Picture: Chris Bray PhotographySource:Supplied

I left my GoPro camera outside one hole, and the next morning, it was gone! I eventually found it, and reviewing the footage, was delighted to find three black arctic fox cubs had playing with it!

One of the cheeky black arctic fox cubs. Picture: Chris Bray PhotographySource:Supplied

SLED DOGS

In 2011 there were more sled dogs than people in Ilulissat — about 5,000 of them staked around the outskirts of town — and although there are less than half that many today, returning last July, five adorable puppies had just been born.

Their eyes not yet open, they fumbled and squeaked around inside the kennel while their mother stood beside us peering in at the very newest additions to one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world, arriving with the Saqqaq people between 4000 and 5000 years ago.

North of the Arctic Circle in Greenland, only these Greenlandic sled dogs are allowed, keeping this wonderfully strong and noble breed pure.

Chris Bray playing with a cute sled dog puppy. Picture: Chris Bray PhotographySource:Supplied

TRADITIONAL VILLAGES

While still authentic-looking, Ilulissat actually offers everything from backpacker accommodation and kayak hire to quality museums and the world’s most northerly 4-star hotel.

Just to the south though, in the tiny traditional village of Ilimanaq, the 53 local inhabitants still hang their fish out on drying racks and enjoy a much simpler lifestyle.

Despite it’s recent surge in popularity from tourists, locals in Greenland still live the traditional way of life. Picture: Chris Bray PhotographySource:Supplied

CLIMATE

While the long bitter winter offers the chance for dog sledding and perhaps the aurora borealis, the brief, vigorous summer is the best time to experience Greenland at it’s most vibrant and beautiful. A high-pressure system usually develops over the icecap delivering surprisingly warm and sunny weather in July, with temperatures sneaking above +10° C.

THE HIGHLIGHT

After Ilulissat, Jess and I sailed onwards right across the top of Canada and Alaska through the infamous Northwest Passage finding polar bears and more, but of the whole multi-year adventure, we enjoyed our time in Greenland the most.

Chris and Jess Bray’s yacht Teleport the first time they travelled to Greenland in 2011. Picture: Chris Bray PhotographySource:Supplied

Chris Bray grew up sailing around the world, then leading arctic expeditions before becoming an award-winning photographer running tours around the world. He travels to Iceland and Greenland every July. Follow his wildlife photography on Instagram.

Greenland Connection48:50

Greenland and the Arctic are being severely affected by climate change, but as its ice sheets melt, how will the changes there affect other countries far away?

• March 15th 2015
• 2 years ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/TV/Documentary/

Delta pilot allegedly smacks woman while trying to break up fight between two female passengers after landing

A Delta pilot has been filmed smacking a woman after she got in a physical fight with another passenger.

A DELTA airlines pilot has been caught on camera smacking a female passenger in a bid to break up a violent brawl in front of stunned travellers.

The footage, released by TMZ and posted to YouTube appears to show the pilot trying to separate two women who got into a physical altercation on an airport boarding ramp shortly after the plane landed.

The pilot then grabs one of brawling women by the arm and hits her before walking away as the pair continue to wrestle on the ground.

The fight reportedly happened at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta.

A clip of the incident was uploaded online on April 21 with the caption: “First thing I see when I arrive in Atlanta!”

At one point, the vision shows one of the fighters take the other woman to the ground and wrap her legs around her neck. It’s at this moment that the pilot intercepts the women, allegedly grabbing one fighter’s wrist and smacking her.

The pilot allegedly grabs the woman by the arm before smacking her to break up the fight.Source:YouTube

The shocking vision allegedly took place on April 21st.Source:YouTube

A second video showing a different angle was obtained by TMZ.

The celebrity and entertainment news website reported a Delta employee gave a supervisor the video almost immediately after the incident.

Delta employees were upset because security wasn’t called, it added.

The airline said it is investigating the incident and taking the video “very seriously”, although in a statement emailed to The Washington Post — a Delta spokesman has defended the pilot.

“We became aware of this incident and a video last week and immediately removed the pilot from duty while we completed a thorough investigation,” Spokesman Brian Kruse said.

“Local law enforcement was called to respond at the time of the incident. The pilot has since been returned to work as our investigation found that his actions de-escalated an altercation between passengers on the Jetway floor during deplaning.”

It is unclear whether the pilot will face any disciplinary action.

The pilot was employed by Delta airlines. Picture: Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP.Source:AFP

The latest plane drama comes after a Delta Airline passenger last week was kicked off a flight because he was desperate for the loo after waiting half an hour for takeoff.

Video shows Kima Hamilton’s “outrageous” clash with cabin crew, which ended with everyone on board being forced to leave the plane and a further two-hour delay.

Earlier this month, 69-year-old Dr David Dao was left battered and bloodied after he was dragged from a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Louisville, Kentucky after the airline overbooked seats.

Video of the incident provoked rage across the world and at one point $1 billion was wiped off the company’s value.

The doctor received a financial settlement from United Airlines.

The troubled airline hit another blow after The Sun last week reported how three-foot Simon the rabbit appeared happy and healthy when he touched down at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport but was found dead a short time later.

It emerged the giant pet “froze to death” after he was accidentally left in a freezer for around 16 hours.

This article originally appeared on The Sun.

Man charged in confrontation with pilot at KCI1:56

An irate American Airlines passenger was caught on video shoving an off-duty pilot at Kansas City International Airport shortly after both got off their flight. Courtesy: Fox News

• April 21st 2017
• 9 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

Tourist in North Korea films creepy morning song ‘Where are you, Dear General’

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Austrian Man Documents Morning Wake Up Call in Pyongyang, North Korea0:16

Inside North Korea, an Austrian man captured this early morning wake up call for the citizens of Pyongyang. The song, titled "Where Are You, Dear General" is played over loudspeakers for all to hear. Credit: Helmut Uttenthaler via Storyful

• April 25th 2017
• 6 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

Tourist in North Korea films creepy morning song ‘Where are you, Dear General’. Picture: AP

JUST when you thought North Korea couldn’t get any weirder, you learn this.

The North Korean government wakes up the citizens of its capital, Pyongyang, every morning by playing a song throughout the city over loudspeakers. And the song is quite possibly the creepiest thing you’ll ever hear.

Austrian tourist Helmut Uttenthaler has captured the eerie early morning wake up call, a song titled “Where Are You, Dear General”, and shared it online so we can all be frightened together.

If it reminds you of a famous dystopian novel, you’re not alone.

“This song sounds __like something you’d hear in the world of 1984 by Orwell,” one commenter on YouTube wrote.

“North Korea is __like something out of dystopian thriller movie. Except it’s REAL,” another said.

Others have suggested it strikes a disturbing resemblance to the X-Files theme song.

“Creepiest thing I have ever heard other than the X-files song,” a listener commented on YouTube.

Either way, it’s going to be hard getting to sleep tonight.

This is the Koryo Burger, the only food item served on North Korea’s state airline

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The Koryo Burger experience0:38

North Korea's state airline serves only one type of food on it's airline, the Koryo Burger.

• April 27th 2017
• 3 days ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/News/

This is North Korea’s famous Koryo Burger, which could be the world’s grossest. Picture: Twitter

NORTH Korea’s state-run airline serves its passengers only one item of food.

The Koryo Burger is always served stone cold — straight from the fridge — on a paper doily with an unidenfitied slice of processed meat in the middle.

The bun is stale, there’s a slice of processed cheese, a few wispy slices of shredded cabbage or a single lettuce leaf (but usually not both).

Some say the mystery sauce is red, some say it’s brown, but most generally agree it’s too watery to be blood left over from the animal that became the patty.

It’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect from an airline named as one of the worst in the world, according to review website Skytrax.

North Korea on a bun: Meet the only burger with its own cult following, brought to you by Koryo Airlines https://t.co/pYdBaJ3gwc pic.twitter.com/xbeRAQL53X

— Kim Murphy, LA Times (@kimmurphy) April 21, 2017

The ride to the north. And the infamous Koryo burger. pic.twitter.com/NBFpX71u50

— rivlinm (@rivlinm) April 14, 2017

And yet, its repulsiveness has gained an almost cult-level following around the world.

Journalist Jamie Fullerton wrote for Vice that, __like many others on the flight, he didn’t finish his burger, “but this was largely due to the chewy blandness rather than revulsion.

“The meat was inoffensively dull and, true to the intrigue that surrounds it, even tougher to identify than it was to chew”.

He said the weirdness only added to the sense of confusion he felt watching the bizarre propaganda videos that played the whole two hours from Beijing to Pyongyang.

However, that’s not to say all North Korean burgers are bad.

The nation’s staples are kimchi (a kind of fermented cabbage) and noodles, but tour operator Simon Cockerell said plenty of places serve decent patties.

His theory is that the bland meat is actually chicken.

RT airlinerfood_lovers Air koryo meal for beijing bound flight to pyongyang sunan airport...burger sandwich....hmmm… pic.twitter.com/ABrmw9Sjrv

— STRATTON ® (@STRATTON_REAL) July 4, 2015

“The food is never actually ready when you go in there so you have to sit and wait for 15 minutes. They’ve got the fast-food racks by the counter but nothing in them.

“They don’t have enough customers to justify actually cooking something and expecting someone to buy it within half an hour,” he told Vice.

At the end of the day, it’s not the kind of thing you’d choose first from a menu, but it’s awfulness is probably overrated.

“You’ve lived a dull life if a tasteless piece of meat and bread is the worst thing you’ve ever eaten,” Mr Cockerell said.

The plus side is that yes, you can at least wash it down with beer.

Broke, deflated and disheartened in London: how I survived on nothing

The tube is my oyster. Picture: Catherine McMaster

NO city’s image is more at odds with the reality than London. So many Aussies flock to the capital with raised expectations only to encounter disappointment.

I relocated from Sydney to London to study my masters and I underestimated how demanding the degree would be.

London’s not very nice to its people and the locals by default are permanently petulant and irritated.

Each morning I stand on the icy, marbled floor of my bathroom and hope for some lukewarm water to come out of the tap.

I need it to water down my MAC Studio Fix foundation. My mascara gets the same treatment. Why? Because if you’re too skint to buy makeup, you’re left with only one viable option — add water.

As an Aussie living in London, Catherine’s had to learn to make sacrifices. Picture: Catherine McMasterSource:Supplied

Additionally, my mascara is doubling as eyeliner and I am now forcibly pinching my cheeks. The result? Kate Moss, circa 2014, stumbling out of a Mayfair club with smeared red lips, perspired foundation and smudged mascara.

Regardless, I know this diluted makeup is better than nothing.

Fortified with coffee and digestive biscuits, I’m ready to head out. I’m currently selling ovens for six pounds (about $A9.85) an hour at a design expo across town.

It’s a 35-minute tube ride or a 6.4km walk. I set off an hour and a half early to try and make it on time. I can’t afford the tube fare.

Walking everywhere, green Nikes in tow. Picture: Catherine McMasterSource:Supplied

I’m tired. I’ve been up all night writing a piece on the abortion debate in Northern Ireland. I’m a fulltime masters student in journalism and peddling built-in furnaces is a part time gig. I need the money.

The walk is long, but the scenery pretty. And today I get lucky in West London. Someone has tossed out a tatty, but not entirely useless, pair of denim jeans, a woollen beret and green Nikes.

Pride is something I bid adieu long ago and I open my satchel and stuff the roadside remnants inside.

I haven’t been able to afford new jeans in more than six months and I don’t have a pair of joggers.

At work I’m reprimanded for tying my red silk scarf in a “too sexy” way. Why someone who sells ovens needs to wear a silk scarf, I can’t fathom, but according to my supervisor it “lends a dignified air”. I notice that she’s tied hers so severely that her chin folds over it.

I’ve been given the dreaded oven and microwave combo section and I’m trying to entice passers-by with a friendly smile and my luring opening line. “These ovens feature moisture plus,” I say.

I have no idea what “moisture plus” means, but I suspect it has something to do with the nozzle on the inside.

An alternative — and cheaper — way to get around. Picture: Catherine McMasterSource:Supplied

By the time the clock strikes six, I’ve sold — unsurprisingly — zero ovens. No bonus for me, and I receive a stern warning from the supervisor that it’s “simply not good enough”.

I can’t face the 6.4km walk home and decide on a more illicit journey: the London Underground.

A young ticket master stands at the entrance to the Tube. He’s casually greeting passers-by and smiles with sincere pleasure. A happy London man: you don’t find many.

“Excuse me, I am so sorry but I don’t have a ticket,” I say. “My partner took my wallet this

morning and I have no way of getting home. Would you please allow me, just this once, to go through.”

Where the other half live: the impressive terrace houses of up-market Chelsea. Picture: Catherine McMasterSource:Supplied

He agrees to let me in. For the first time in weeks I’m able to travel in the underground labyrinth, and even manage to get a seat. It feels marvellous.

So is it worth it? Yes. Struggling in London and living day-by-day on a diet of digestive biscuits and 99 pence ($A1.64) pasta is arduous.

But London is vibrant and intoxicating, and I’ve come to appreciate that it offers something far more intrinsic and unique.

It’s a pretty town, but living can be tough. Picture: Catherine McMasterSource:Supplied

I have the chance to become part of the fabric of the city and while it doesn’t bestow any favours, this makes me hungrier for success.

And if you can make it in London with its sprawling populous of city bankers, entitled hedge funders and dismissive locals, you can make it anywhere.

Catherine is a freelance journalist based in London. You can read more of her work at catherinemcmaster.co.uk.

FILM: Filmmaker Captures Day to Day Life in London3:38

Filmmaker Faisal 'Tre' Shah captures day to day life in London with this short film. This incredible video was shot on a Sony a630 and was Faisal first short film. The stunning 4k clip captures London perfectly from day to night. Credit: Faisal 'Tre' Shah via Storyful

• February 23rd 2017
• 2 months ago
• /video/video.news.com.au/Entertainment/