Billed as "a private, humanitarian mission," Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt arrived in North Korea on Monday. The noted internet powerhouse traveled to the sketchy country with Bill Richardson, former New Mexico governor and former ambassador to the UN, "who has traveled more than a half-dozen times to North Korea over the past 20 years."

Although the U.S. State Department expressed concern over the trip -- especially considering North Korea's recent missile launches -- Schmidt's trip is not technically on behalf of Google. "He is going as a private citizen; this is not a Google trip," Richardson explained to CBS. "He's interested in foreign policy, he's a friend of mine, and I felt that it was important that there be a broader perspective of our visit."

Google executive Jared Cohen and Schmidt's daughter are also in the group. During the sojourn, Schmidt and gang will meet with North Korean political, military, and economic leaders. They'll also visit universities and whatever else the country schedules for them. According to AP, however, "Schmidt, a staunch proponent of Internet connectivity and openness, is expected to make a donation during the visit, while Richardson will try to discuss the detainment of a U.S. citizen jailed in Pyongyang."

For those not in the know, North Korea is a veritable disaster of a country, a father-son-grandson cult of personality with human rights violations galore and little to no economic stability.

Speaking of wacky places to visit, Schmidt made headlines in 2010 after spending time at Burning Man with an ex-paramour.