This is my 4th day in Hue, The first two were sunny and rather steamy, but yesterday and today are rainy and cool. I've managed to walk around most of the downtown area on my usual exploration walks. The city is divided by the Perfume River, with one side of the river the downtown, business and commerce side, once a French enclave, and the other side the Citadel with more of the local flavor. Note the birdcages hanging from the street sign.
The Citadel, which was begun in 1804 by Emperor Gia Long, is a major historical site. It is modeled after the Forbidden City in Bejing and the resemblence is startling. I was immediately struck by the similarities once I was past the first moat. The Flag Tower is Vietnam's tallest flagpole.
Inside are a vast assortment of buildings, some restored, some not. The Emperor's Reading Room seemed like a perfect place for an afternoon of book reading, complete with moat and pleasant garden. I think book club members would like it.
To enter, you go through one of 10 gates, each one narrow for only one car width.
I was lucky enough to see the Citadel on a sunny day. The next day with the guide, it was windy, rainy and cold. These folks are wearing instant rain gear, purchased from hawkish vendors.
There are many tombs near Hue. These mausoleums are along the banks of the Perfume River and were planned by the Emperors during their lifetime. All have some differences architecturally, but also share the five essential elements: stele pavilion (accomplishments), temple for worship, emperor's remains, honor courtyard with statues, and a lotus pond.
The last pagoda we visited was literally on the banks of the Perfume River. It is a favorite with locals, to bring their sweetie out to the Tower of Love, and perhaps propose. Our guide was planning to do that soon, so it was a special place for him.
We finished the day as nightfall was approaching by a ride on the dragon boat back to the docks at Hue.
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