We left Laos to go to Vietnam again... now to the centre of the country. WE arrived to Hue.. summer time!!! Sunny and not rainy anymore! However, the arrival to the city was a bit bizarre. After 20 hours on the bus, the bus driver left us on the middle of the road 10 km away from Hue! Ok, the bus was going further to the south but at least they could have dropped us in the city or the bus station!
A little bit confused and asleep we stood on the middle of the road trying to catch the attention of some car. A vietnamese taxi-van stopped and gave us a lift to the city centre for little money.
Hue is a city known by its river (Perfume river) and the royal tombs. It is quite touristic so, it is not difficult to find hostels, restaurants and shops for travellers. Hue is like a central point in the country where all the travellers in Vietnam stop here for a couple of days as it is half way between Hanoi and Saigon.
We decided to visit Hue by motorbike. So funny!!!
We started the route going to a budhist temple (pagoda) near town. There we saw all the monks meditating and praying and singing to Budha. This pagoda is one of the few ones that are nowadays intact from the war against the Americans.
After that we went to an area where there were some old bunkers and there was an amazing view of the river. We could see local fishermen with the typical boats of the area.
Our trip by motorbike continued through the streets of Hue until we got to the royal tomb of Tu Duc. This tomb is set beside a little lake and surrounded by pine forest. Our guide told us that all the dragons created on wooden frameworks represent Heaven. It is quite common to find them in temples or building roofs.
We were quite hungry at that stage and we decided to go for something to eat in a local place. We ate some kind of spring rolls stuffed with meat and vegetables and rolled with rice paper. Delicious!! They are typical from Hue..but I can't spell the name :-)
With a full stomach we went to visit the “Citadel”. This is an old imperial city located on the north side of the river. This place was bombed by the americans years ago.
After getting lost a bit around the city we ended up in the local market. We just arrived when it was “siesta” time... lucky us! The time for a nap in the afternoon is a sacred tradition here!!! And also they sleep anywhere and in any position!! Hahaahaha Hilarioius!
The route finished with a very cool ride around the surroundings of Hue. Huge rice fields with little roads and people working on the lands. Great views.
In the middle of all the rice fields there is a small bridge called “Japanese bridge” where the locals use it shadow to practice their sacred siesta.
Our nice visit to Hue has finished but we will continue by bus (for a change) through the south of the country... next destiny... Hoi An.
See you soon.
Have a look at some pictures of Hue here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26652485@N06/
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