In 1991, few North Koreans had ever used a telephone. You had to go to a post office to make a phone call.

Have you ever felt like a phone call that's been disconnected?

I have gone on the air and announced my telephone number at the Washington Post. I go into the night, talking to people, looking for things. The great dreaded thing every reporter lives with is what you don't know. The source you didn't go to. The phone call you didn't return.

My favourite books are Charles Bukowski's 'Post Office' and 'Women.'

Well, the post office is probably not the place you want to go if you want to be infused with patriotism and a renewed sense of vigor.

In an urban area, you're not going to be an hour away from another post office.