I just returned from a weeklong vacation in South Korea last Sunday. I was hoping to be kidnapped by agents of the North and transported sekritly to Pyongyang where I would be installed as Kim Jong Il's private hairstylist. Although I know nothing whatsoever about cutting hair, I figure that no one could possibly do a worse job than whoever's currently giving him that bizarre coif of his.

As is my usual practice, I wrote an extensive travelogue about the experience which I will freely share with youse. Thrill with excitement as you read about my rousing adventures in Korea's Silicon Valley, Daejon, gasp with awe at the jingoistic wonders of the Korean Independence Hall, and let your stomach rumble with delight as I describe the culinary marvels of Seoul. When you're done, feast your eyes at a few selected photographs.