The ancient capital of Hue - April 16th, 2006

Yesterday we drove through the breathtaking scenery of HaiVan Pass to get here
and as soon as we crossed over it started raining so we couldn't really do what
we planned and visit the old Citadel last afternoon. A real contrast to the
stinking hot weather we hit in Hoi An. 
Perfume River (doesn't that name just conjure up wonderful visions?). The city
of Hue sits on both sides of the river which is crossed by a bridge (motor and
foot traffic). 
longer and heavier than in the Mekong down in the south. Most weighted down
with sand or rocks which they dig up (using solely man power) and transport to
designated drop off points. It was fascinating to watch as we cruised past. 
out of a fairy tale - think Sleeping Beauty. I know, wrong culture altogether
but these all look as if they've "been asleep for a 100 years",
slowly being reclaimed by the bush. 
Dynasty set amidst frangipani and pine trees. The tombs are beautifully symmetrical
and seem to harmonise so well with their surroundings. 
across and a totally serene feel. Just lovely. We wanted so much to linger but
unfortunately were with a tour group and were given limited times at each
place. 
bloodiest battles during the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam (I mean the
"American") War. A huge contrast to today. 
snuggled up in a sleeping berth carriage with 2 sets of "soft" bunk
beds. You actually get given a choice of hard or soft! 


Here we are in the Imperial City of Hue and the weather is the pits!


Today we decided to bite the bullet and take a boat ride down the


The boat ride was magnificent. The boats on the river here are much


We kept passing old ramparts and mysterious old buildings  straight


We stopped off at the extravagant tombs of the emperors of the Nguyen


Huge lakes and ponds beautified with lotus blooms, with ornate bridges


Tomorrow we go on the DMZ tour to visit the sites of some of the


Then tomorrow night we catch the night train to Hanoi. We're all