Very hot and sweaty today - not to mention 'hair-frizzing' - with afternoon downpour just as drove into Hue.
View from breakfast this morning.
Mr Sam collected us early and we drove to Danang - 30 minute drive. First the Marble Museum or factory to demonstrate the white marble quarried in this area.
There were several quarried mountains in the area but one, Marble Mountain, was maintained by the Cham dynasty as a sacred reserve for the king because of the series of caves.
Quite a bit of climbing. We were glad it was early in the day as it was extremely steamy and hot.
There were several caves and paths. This gate led into the main cave.
The main cave with a Buddha which was carved in the nineteenth century. This cave was used as a bomb shelter by the locals during the Vietnam War but a bomb was exploded through the hole in the roof. Fortunately most of the cave remained in tact.
The royal compound, now used as a Buddhist retreat centre.
We drove into the modern city of Danang, totally rebuilt since the ravages of the Vietnam War. This is the Dragon Bridge, which is one of the many bridges that spans the river.
A visit to the Cham Museum in Danang, set up by French archeologists in the early twentieth century.
Many if these artefacts were rescued from sites like My Son, where we visited yesterday.
A highly decorated Garuda, a Hindu sacred bird.
Women or goddesses playing polo.
Then we headed north up the Hai Van Pass. At the mountain pass, amidst food and souvenir stalls, you could see bunkers, built by the French in their war in the '50s and the Americans in the '60s.
Our quick stop for a set lunch at local restaurant before we began exploring the lively, modern city of Hue.
Then off to the Citadel. The Nguyen Dynasty built this huge imperial enclosure, within ten kilometres of walls and ramparts from 1804-1833. It has several sections, some in tact but some under renovation having been destroyed by the French in the 1950s. It is a truly remarkable site and in its day must have looked magnificent.
Entering through one of the many gates.
The imperial palace and entry to the Imperial enclosure.
The imperial enclosure - due to be restored after being extensively burnt during the French War.
Fabulous gates and gardens
Covered walkways to much of the site
Renovation to the library
The imperial theatre in red and gold
We are staying at the Moonlight Hotel. 11th floor. Right in the tourist district near the river.
Our travel company had a surprise for us tonight. A dinner as Emperor and Empress with court music.
M&M
5/10/2014
1 comment:
The trip looks wonderful. Those pools beckon.
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