Dragon Boats

Dragon boats tied up along the Perfume River in Hue. Tourists hire these to leisurely cruise up and down the river. Lunch and drinks are usually served. I've never done this (although the boats are pretty wonderful), but I have heard that it is actually a good way to visit the nearby tombs (see Tomb of Khai Dinh and Tomb of Minh Mang). Boat operators apparently live on the boats with their families. [NOTE: I say that, because I have noticed little kids gleefully playing on the boats and laundry drying on the railings during early morning walks down by the river].

Truong Tien Bridge

Truong Tien bridge crossing the Perfume River in Hue. Orchid flowers are said to fall in the river during the autumn giving the water a light fragrance. The bridge was constructed in 1899 by Gustave Eiffel, the French engineer/architecture better known for building that tower in Paris. The Citadel flag tower, at 37 m the largest in Vietnam, is shown at the upper left. Love the houseboat cruising under the bridge. [NOTE: I am not convinced that the water in this section of the river smells like orchids during the autumn].   

Lion and Dragon Professionals

These fellows, a group of about ten including drummers, dancers, and dragon-costume wearers, were performing on the street for the bride and groom who had just walked out from their wedding. Was mid-morning in Hue, on one of the main streets running along the Perfume River. I was on my way to the Imperial City. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.

Imperial City Re-Visited IV

The lion guarding the entrance to the Imperial City. A faithful sentry for centuries. Certainly stopped me in my tracks. [NOTE: Off to Hanoi in a few minutes].

Imperial City Re-Visited III

You can't have too much color or too many dragons on a roof, I say. A small taste of the architectural exuberance on display at the Imperial City. Not sure which cluster of buildings this is. It's near the main entrance.

Imperial City Re-Visited II

One of the nicest entrances of any house I've ever seen. Makes sense, though. Image shows the doorway to the Dien Thu residence. Built in 1804, this was the living quarters of the Emperor's grandmother.

Imperial City Re-Visited

Spent a lovely day yesterday exploring the Imperial City (see Imperial City) in Hue. Weather was overcast and comfortable, so I went slow and took a lot of pictures. I will be sharing these over the next couple of days. Image above shows the Tinh Minh building. It was renovated in the 1950s and used as President Bao Dai's private residence. [NOTE: Bao Dai was also the final emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, which is why, I guess, he was allowed to live in the Imperial City].

Old Plates

Having a cracker for breakfast while you wait to see if anyone will stop and buy any of the old (antique?) plates that you have lined up along the sidewalk. He was a really nice, smiley man. I didn't buy a plate. [NOTE: I am in Hue to do a training workshop for the WWF rattan team].

Imperial Pond

Pond at Imperial City (see Imperial City) in Hue, Vietnam with Nymphaea lilies, ornate brick fence, tree, and perimeter wall. I remember when I took this picture that I thought it looked like a painting. Still do. [NOTE: Have no idea what species of tree this is].

The Tree in the Pot

Somebody thought that adding a flowering tree in a pot would enhance the ambience at the Imperial City in Hue (see Imperial City). And then several years went by and they forgot about the little tree. And it got pot bound, and then turned into a bonsai specimen with a lovely, yet labored architecture. And one small pink flower. For me, indeed a significant enhancement to the weathered yellow and red building behind it. [NOTE: I may have been the only visitor that day who paused, reflected, and took a photo of this tree].