November 3rd: Hanoi - Hue
After the overnight train dropped us in the imperial city of Hue (on unifying Vietnam in 1802 the first emperor Gia Long placed his capital in the middle of
the country about equidistant from the historical centers of power in Ha Noi and Sai Gon) we settled into our hotel before going to check out the Perfumed River (River Huong) and
the old Royal Palace complex beyond. For more about the palace check this link here.
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Perfumed River
Fishing village
Largest flag in the country
Gate in the Citadel wall
Hall where the emporer would see petitioners
There is a lot of work going on to rebuild the palace
Bombing caused major damage in 1968, pretty much flattening the Purple Forbidden City
Broken china pieces were used for decorations
Palace wall
Some peripheral palaces for minor royals have survived intact
Stonework before...
... and after refinishing in the traditional way
Citadel outer wall
Traditional chinese medicine shop
© Tim Cooke 2006
