We started at a breakfast place called Mandarin Cafe. It was a delicious place with wonderful hosts. After our meal we bought some post cards that were photographs actually taken by the owner. As we were leaving a man walked up to us and asked us how our meal was and if we liked the post cards.
This man ended up being the owner and he was a very proud man. He told us all the post cards were his photos, as well as the photos on the walls. They were beautiful pictures! He talked to us about the war and that he actually worked for the US during the war as a fire fighter. He started the business since 1991 (year we were born) and has been in Lonely Planet since 1995. He's obviously doing something right. There's something really cool about talking directly to the owner in a casual conversation. He made it comfortable and not intimidating or rushed. He runs an ideal small business, sign me up.
We weren't sure what to expect in Hue except a citadel, which my understanding is an old city center with a ton of history. At least, this one had a lot of history.
There is a 1.5 square kilometer area that is surrounded by a moat that is considered the citadel, or old city. It's now called the Imperial City. This was around when Hue was the home of the capital for many dynasties in Vietnam. Within the walled off city there was a walled off area for the royal family to roam.
(The first of two entrances needed to reach the Imperial City)
(The entrance to the Imperial City)
Basically this emperor was a boss and didn't let anyone mess with him. There were different plots of land designated for different activities like relaxing, housing the mother and mother-in-law, entertaining guests, and whatever else the emperor wanted to do. By areas I don't mean rooms, like we have today, but big buildings and open spaces.
(One of the areas used to relax for the Royal family)
(Some of the renovated part, but the space was the same from when it was originally built)
The coolest part is that this stuff made it through the two major wars in the 1900's. There have been a lot of renovations to keep things up and running, but there were also some ruins that show what some of the original structures looked like. It's crazy thinking how many people have been in the same space that I was in (if that makes sense?). I also love thinking about what it would be like if I was in that same spot but in the hay day of Vietnamese dynasties. I definitely wouldn't survive long but it would be cool to see.
(Some old walls of the buildings)
(Old fountain and door)
The citadel is also our second UNESCO Heritage site of the trip.
(Some old floor that was in the middle of a field between patches of grass - so crazy!)
Hue is way better than Ninh Binh was in terms of walking around and having things to do. There was obviously the citadel, but there's also lots of shops, parks, and safe looking restaurants. Don't get me wrong, Ninh Binh was beautiful, I just wouldn't spend more time there than I already did.
(Cool views in Hue)
After the citadel we walked around for way too long. We both got hangry at each other and really should have eaten earlier. At any rate, after looking in the wrong spot we found the restaurant that we were looking for. It was definitely a local place because we were the only tourists there. It's cool, but we definitely get our fair share of staring and it makes us think we're doing something wrong. We probably are eating the food wrong but at least tell us how you recommend eating it.
We weren't sure what to expect in Hue except a citadel, which my understanding is an old city center with a ton of history. At least, this one had a lot of history.
There is a 1.5 square kilometer area that is surrounded by a moat that is considered the citadel, or old city. It's now called the Imperial City. This was around when Hue was the home of the capital for many dynasties in Vietnam. Within the walled off city there was a walled off area for the royal family to roam.
Basically this emperor was a boss and didn't let anyone mess with him. There were different plots of land designated for different activities like relaxing, housing the mother and mother-in-law, entertaining guests, and whatever else the emperor wanted to do. By areas I don't mean rooms, like we have today, but big buildings and open spaces.
The coolest part is that this stuff made it through the two major wars in the 1900's. There have been a lot of renovations to keep things up and running, but there were also some ruins that show what some of the original structures looked like. It's crazy thinking how many people have been in the same space that I was in (if that makes sense?). I also love thinking about what it would be like if I was in that same spot but in the hay day of Vietnamese dynasties. I definitely wouldn't survive long but it would be cool to see.
The citadel is also our second UNESCO Heritage site of the trip.
Hue is way better than Ninh Binh was in terms of walking around and having things to do. There was obviously the citadel, but there's also lots of shops, parks, and safe looking restaurants. Don't get me wrong, Ninh Binh was beautiful, I just wouldn't spend more time there than I already did.
After the citadel we walked around for way too long. We both got hangry at each other and really should have eaten earlier. At any rate, after looking in the wrong spot we found the restaurant that we were looking for. It was definitely a local place because we were the only tourists there. It's cool, but we definitely get our fair share of staring and it makes us think we're doing something wrong. We probably are eating the food wrong but at least tell us how you recommend eating it.
After lunch we found a cafe to chill for a bit, do some writing and reading, and just sit down. The last two days have been a lot of walking with nowhere to call home, so it's nice to just sit and chill. We played cribbage and I'm finally starting to win, which Alex isn't too happy about. But don't tell her I said that.
When we were there we were stared at and talked to as well. Not many people know English but they were intrigued by us, or by the cribbage board. The language barrier is definitely a thing here - it hasn't been too bad most of the time except in Vietnam. It makes things interesting and it's cool interacting with people that you can't use words with.
Once it started getting dark we headed over to our hotel to grab a bite to eat before showering. We had Pho and a cold beer. We walked across the street to our hotel, showered, and changed before the train. I'm currently sitting in the train station waiting for the train (obviously...not sure why I write some things that I write).
The weather here is noticeably hotter than Ninh Binh, and definitely Sapa. I can only imagine what it will be like tomorrow and more importantly Saigon. At least in Mui Ne we can go in the water to cool down, Saigon we will be surrounded by hot vehicles and lots of people.
At any rate, we're heading into our last overnight train of the trip. It's bittersweet, but it will be nice to be on the beach tomorrow night.
"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open."
- Jawaharial Nehru
Cool stuff!
ReplyDeleteBeach bound:)