DAY 39 - Hue, Vietnam   (pronounced like whey)

February 5, 2024

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!

Vietnam was one of the most anticipated countries on the trip due to the memory of some tumultuous times back in the 60's and 70's. Having been given a draft number in the lottery, each stop was a "I could have been here" type feeling.

Our first stop was in Hue (which we pronounced like Huey until our arrival) which was the old capital of a united Vietnam in the 1800-1900's.  A marriage united the north and south and the king built this HUGE palace in this the new capital in central Vietnam.

It was a 2 hour bus ride to the city, past lots of red and yellow banners.  They were everywhere! We realized quite quickly that Vietnam is still communist!  But they claim to not like either China or Russia and feel enough freedoms to have open internet and abilities to gather and travel and trade on their own.




We arrived at the Hue Royal Palace and spent about an hour plus walking around the grounds and seeing the historical buildings.








We left the palace grounds and headed to a quiet pagoda with beautiful peaceful surroundings....and a fat "happy" Buddha! Feng shui was felt everywhere!





Onto a boat trip on the Perfume River and a bit of shopping!







Our trip home included lots of rice patties and red flags!





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