Weather : hot and sweaty, 32o
This morning we were met by our guide, Mr Sam, at 8.30 to take us to the holy land of the Hindu Cham people. He is very enthusiastic and experienced, having been a guide since 1991. The only problem is that we can't understand a word he is saying. Mark likens him to Fraank in Father of the Bride. The bad news is that we have him for 3 days!
Early morning view of the river from our room at the hotel resort.
It was an hour drive to the My Son Heritage site. The countryside was drier than in the south and there were lots of duck farms.
The Cham people were originally Indians who were traders in the first century and settled in the area. From the 7th century the Cham kings built mausoleums for themselves. The site was dedicated to Lord Siva. After being excavated by archeologists in the late nineteenth century, it was recognised as a significant site, particularly its traditional Indian clay brick construction and the sophisticated sandstone carvings. Unfortunately, this site was a target in the American/ Vietnam war and much of the site has been destroyed or compromised. With international aid and expertise some of the buildings has been restored.
Recovered statues of the sacred cow, Nandi, and a dancing Shiva.
An Italian archaeological team has begun to renovate this mausoleum.
Bomb craters throughout the site.
A welcome swim on our return.
Back into town to collect my orders. Siesta time as so hot.
I didn't heed the warnings from guidebooks and the hotel, but I'm delighted with my purchases and the price. That's my skirt.
Free street food and cultural show at the hotel.
Dinner at Mango Mango - 5 spice duck for me and marinated pork for Mark.
Surprise on our return to the room.
M&M
4/10/2014
No comments:
Post a Comment