Hue

I had to move on to Hue before catching up with Steph in Hanoi.
It was one day in Hue and I decided to see the sights on the back of a moto with Nam. A well mannered shy little Viet who promised to take care of me. I had seen two moto accidents (one fatal) in 2 hours and I was starting to worry.
We zoomed around and went to look at Bunker Hill which had old bunkers left over from the American soldiers. Tombs of the late king and his father. These were absolutely stunning buildings which took up acers of land. I believe the king was burried in 1842. I hope when I die I am intombed in an elaborate building like this!
We scootered past the Perfume River and watch ladies making traditional hats. Before lunch we stopped at a Pagoda where the monks do a traditional ceremony that thanks Buddha for the food that they eat. At the beginning of lunch they pray thanks to Buddha and chant beautiful charms. They raise their lunch and do a litle teas ceremony as well. It was really lovely buit i felt a little voyeuristic.
Then we zoomed around small back lanes through villages and past little homes along the river. Fianally ending up at the Citadel. This is a spectaular place!! I was awed. I think I walk around with my mouth open for the whole time I was there. You can really see how the Chinese has influenced the Vietnamese architecture. The Citadel is full of half restored or old buildings that are just amazing and beautiful. The Formality of this place is mezmorising.
Back on the bike we visited many other Pagodas then finished the day off by whizzing past the rice fields in the country side. Well not quiet...the bike broke down....just after we were discussing that Nam wanted a new bike...And there we sat on the side of the road till his brother collected me and he went off to the mechanic. That was my one day in Hue...