HUE -- INSIDE THE IMPERIAL CITY

This place is HUGE! Its about 40 acres surrounded by a moat and a wall. The entry we came in from was being restored. 

It leads into the courtyard where the emperor his courtiers and petitioners on his throne. Note Koi and lotus blossoms leading up to the open door (and throne). The courtiers stood before the building in rows – the closer the row the more prestigious.

 

Further on there is a building where his courtiers dressed before meeting the emperor. Nearby are giant brass urns for holding water for fire protection and bonsai trees.

Further yet is the opening that leads to the Forbidden City where the emperor actually lived. Unfortunately most of the buildings were burnt down by the North Vietnamese. One building that survived is the opera house.

Then leaving we see a detail of the portico where we are leaving. We left at rush hour as you can see. There are 16 million motorbikes in Vietnam. One for every two people.