Hue-Pagoda and Imperial Palace

After our tour of the Emperors' tombs we went to visit this imposing pagoda which is much older than the tombs were.

There were two of these guardians - the other had a coal black face.

An altar.

And a beautiful gate.

We have noted many of these bonsai like trees growing in pots around Hue. They must be centuries old.

One of the oddities at the pagoda is this old Austin car. It plays a very signiificant role in the history of the American War.

Here is the car in an old newspaper photo.  Some of you will remember the horror you felt when you read about this monk who chose to immolate himself in protest over the war. He was from the monastery at this pagoda but was driven to Saigon where he made his terrible statement.

This bell can be heard over 10 kilometers away, it is said.

Just below the pagoda we saw this woman struggling with her load.

And here is the view from the Pagoda hillside.

As part of our tour which included a car and driver to the tombs, we got to head back on this dragon boat to the centre of town. 

We had a refreshing seven up and were implored to purchase something. Being a captive audience is not fun but we didn't buy anything.

A passing boat. 

And back in town, an interesting wall.

This was Geordie's early morning coffee lady. The plastic bottle on the top left of her rack is the coffee concentrate.

Now the Imperial Palace. There are no grandiose palaces to show since most of the place was vombed out during the war. But there are a few buildings left standing. Behind these walls was a photo display of life in the palaces with eunuchs, concubines, emperors and empresses.

This was a theatre built by one of the emperors.

We did meet a few of the residents. Concubines and Eunuchs?

I did like this 3D image.

And this dramatic dragon. He actually isn't a permanent resident, but rather a decoration for the Hue Festival which was on while we were here. We say some of the dancers practicing while ear-splitting music played on the PA.

This gate led to the Dowager Empress' quarters. The building behind it are gone, lost to the bombs.

Luckily this temple area survived.

There were nine urns like this, each one representing one of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. It was hot - we did perspire.

These days the court musicians get to travel in non-polluting style in these electric vehicles.

Obligatory lotus bud.

And fireworks for the festival seen from our bedroom window.