Korea was an independent kingdom under Chinese suzerainty for most of the past millennium. Following its victory in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, Japan occupied Korea; five years later it formally annexed the entire peninsula. After World War II, a... ... read more | Joined | July 4th 2007 | Trips | 19 |
| Last Login | May 23rd 2024 | Followers | 218 |
| Status | BLOGGER | Follows | 134 |
| Blogs | 242 | Guestbook | 4,904 |
| Photos | 9,929 | Forum Posts | 10858 |
| [photo=10604554] | [blog=1083664] | [blogger=42569] |
Ake Och Emma
Ake Dahllof and Emma Holmbro
On US soldier and on travelling in business class
The US soldier who last year crossed the border to North Korea at the DMZ was released after negotiations by staff from the Swedish Embassy. The US doesn't have diplomatic relations with North Korea. Instead all connections on embassy level between USA and North Korea goes through the Swedish embassy. I actually get to travel business class every now and then when economy class is overbooked. I took me years to understand why they so often pick me to get upgraded instead of someone else. I believe that it's because of my name. My given name is Åke. The first letter, Å, doesn't exist in the English alphabet. It is automatically transcribed into a double A. So on airline bookings I get the name "Aake Dahlloef". The passenger lists are probably in alphabetical order by given name, making me mostly the first name on the list. When they upgrade passengers they probably go from the top and work themselves down. I have travelled business class maybe 10 times and never paid anything extra for it. I know Dave, life isn't fair. /Ake