18th Nov, Huế, Vietnam.
I walked out of the ship and wandered around till I found enough people to get a bus to Hue. And it was a great day.
The Imperial City is a walled fortress and palace. It has fortified ramparts two ks by two ks, and is ringed by a moat.
January 31, 1968, as part of the Tet Offensive a Division-sized force of North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong soldiers launched a coordinated attack on Huế, seizing most of the city. During the initial phases of the Battle of Huế, due to Huế’s religious and cultural status, Allied forces were ordered not to bomb or shell the city. This was gradually lifted and the fighting caused substantial damage to the Imperial City. Out of 160 buildings only 10 major sites survived.
It was lovely, even with bullet holes everywhere.
Tomb of Tự Đức, built in 1864 and 1867 by Emperor Tự Đức to use before and after his death. The grandest of all the tombs. Tự Đức had over 100 wives and concubines but had no sons. He compensated with his tomb.
There was a work gang doing some paving. There seemed to be no division of who dug etc, ie no ‘mens work’ or ‘young peoples work’. All seemed to do all jobs including swinging the pick.
Incense Town…. where we watched incense being made.
Looked and smelt great.
More temples – Beautiful. More stairs – Not so much!
The things they carry on scooter ……two steel roof trusses.. two seater rattan couch with cushions…..6 small pigs. Three or four people on a scooter were common. BUT the kids NEVER wore helmets.
Vietnam was great. Loved it!
Next stop Hong Kong