This afternoon we Visited the Imperial Palace and the Purple Forbidden City of Nguyen Dynasty. The first king built nine urns --- one for himself and 8 expected following Kings. You can see the bullet marks from the American War on these iron vessels, part of significant other destruction yet to be fixed 35 years later. The grounds are extensive including many buildings, a Theatre, housing for the Mandarin guards, concubines, etc. The nation is doing lots of renovation of this extensive palace, but it will take lots of time and money. So far, a good start.
Four of nine urns. Each have different feet & handles for each king.
Refurbishers who work from ancient models, we are told.
Tom and what Vietnamese call a Unicorn. Somehow the need to name a mythical creature got lost in translation. Our tour guide was proud that foreigners could never guess their correct name for this statue.
Scene from top of steps in the Palace.
Tom with shop keepers selling rain ponchos. Grandma took off her apron for this photo.
View from Palace piazza.
Small section of the Palace Grounds
We hope to visit a significant Pagoda and the museum in honor of "Uncle Ho", as he is affectionately called in Hue, his birthplace.
I hope you enjoy these tidbits.
Bye for now.
Hi Anne and Tom
ReplyDeleteHave just been catching up on your blog and enjoying all the sights and sounds of your adventures.
Thank you for your lovely descriptions which really help to set the scene.
I trust that you have held onto the rest of your food these last few days and that the stomach has settled. At least you have ventured out again and the photos are once more forthcoming.
Interesting that they now lack the vividness of colour that there has been in others - the damp jungle setting presumably.
I wish you continuing fun and enjoyment and look forward to the next installments.
Hugs to you both
Mary
Hi Anne and Tom,
ReplyDeleteI had to ask Dylan to figure out how to respond since I've never done this before. Your trip is incredible and I have enjoyed every installation and the photos. I feel as if I am almost there myself. Enjoy your travels as you deserve them! Have lots of fun. Fondly, Susan P.
Yeah Dylan! It worked! :)
ReplyDelete