Another day in Hue

Today was another action packed day. Our tour guide, Tim Tam, met us at our hotel then the fun began. He had a comical outlook and was keen to tell us a joke or story at any opportunity.

We started at the citadel that we had been passed on our cyclo trip the evening before. The gardens were extensive and though it looked much older, the walls and buildings are only about 200 years old.

Some pics of the citadel...

After the citadel Gem and Will jumped on the back of their motorbikes while Cam, Diane, Celie and Naomi had the pleasure of Tim Tam's company. We took a dragon boat ride along the river to a pagoda.

As Cam mentioned earlier we reckon the boats should be called 'bumps' as that's the approach at the pagoda. Yes that space is considered a berth!

The pagoda grounds, buildings and view of the river were lovely.

Then it was back onto the motorbikes for Gem and Will while the rest of us took the bus to our next destination - the small village where they make incense sticks.

Most of us had a go at making them, it was much harder than it looked.

At the citadel Tim Tam had told us the story of the fights that used to take place between an elephant and a tiger. We visited a coliseum where the used to hold these fights. It was very sad because the fights were rigged. Because the elephant represented the power of the king they made sure the elephant would win by starving the tiger then removing all the tiger's claws and teeth. We thought it was a very unfair fight!

Lunch was in a very special location. Tim Tam had arranged for the local Buddhist nuns to make us a vegan meal. A magnificent spread from their garden in a lovely, peaceful setting.

Next part of the day was a visit to a tomb for one of the kings. He built it on about 12 hectares and shaped like a turtle (the symbol for longevity). He used the area as a summer palace as well as his tomb.

The parklands were superb. He also turned out to be a bit of a nutter. He had people hand dig the water course and create a tiny island that he would get them to fill with deer so he could hunt them. The island was so small it would be like shooting fish ins barrel!

After lunch we headed to an area known since the American war as 'bunker hill'. It was a well positioned vantage point of the Perfume River in a setting much too beautiful for war.

We then headed back to the hotel for a swim to cool off and a a lovely dinner at the hotel across the road. Will and Gem loved their motorbike adventures and we loved that they made it safely back to the hotel in one piece.

We cooled off with a swim in the pool and had a lovely dinner in a restaurant across the road from our hotel.

Gem and Naomi had the energy for a post dinner stroll around the night markets. Do remember to ask Gem what time is it next time you see her. Her new Rolex watch looks lovely!

Our guide for the laughter filled day - Tim Tam