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Amsterdam hosts North Korean circus
There's always much to see on a city break in Amsterdam but never before has the choice included a North Korean circus act. Amsterdam is the first European capital to play host to the Great Flying Circus of North Korea. Performances will run at Amsterdam's Carré Theatre until the end of August when the Pyongyang-based troupe will head to Germany.
Circus experts say that if there's one thing that the secretive and isolated People's Republic of North Korea is good at, then it's acrobatics. The acts regularly win major prizes at circus festivals across the world.
The Pyongyang circus troupe has not toured Europe before which has made commenators ask what the secretive North Korean state want from the visit? Radio Netherlands Worldwide reports that Dutch political science scientist Bob van den Bos believes it is a logical step:
"It's the North Korean State Circus and Koreans are great acrobats. It's 'first contact' for many people here in Europe and it's contact in an area where North Koreans excel. Pyongyang is trying to create a positive image of North Korea".
This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Bob Cartwright. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.
