CLYDE'S SECOND WORLD TOUR

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.

HUE - A PEDICAB RIDE TO LUNCH

Hue is the site of an Imperial city akin to the Forbidden City in Peking. We hopped on some pedicabs to do brief tour and go to lunch. Clyde enjoyed the ride and watching the many motorbikes whizzing by. The tour included a route around the outer wall. We also passed a market stall and a couple of pretty prosperous looking places for a communist country.

Clyde thought the lunch was outstanding. It offered 12 courses – each prettier that the preceeding. Clyde also appreciated the bat décor carving on the chairs (Mary did not).

HUE – THE EMPERORS SUMMER PALACE AND TOMB

Hue (WHEY) is the old capital of Vietnam from the 1800's. On the bus trip there we got to see some of the country side. A long plain along the ocean and then up into the hills. Our first stop was at this walled in area filled with lakes and gardens and walkways. It was built by Vietnam's fourth emperor in the early 1800's. It is in pretty tough shape but is in the process of being restored. This area was a spot where the Emperor came to spend summer days overlooking the lake and flowers and frolicking with his many wives. Clyde made some friends along the way of course. The two cute kids in costume were actually French. Their parents had rented the costumes for the pictures – but they didn't mind having Clyde getting his picture taken too.