The Royal City of Hue
Trip Start
Apr 08, 2005
1
259
270
Trip End
Apr 09, 2006
Hue,
Vietnam
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Before our departure in Hanoi a sales representative offered accomadation in his hotel at reduced rates. Part of the deal is a free pick up and drop off in city centre with no obligation to take the room. They have two hotels, Class 1 and Class 2 (Class 2 has lower rates). We have decided on the reduced rate rooms but are encouraged to view Class 1 room along with 5 other guests. As it happens the rooms are beautiful but we all opt for the cheaper version (cheapskates). We climb back into the mini bus only to be offered an even cheaper rate at the classy hotel!! The luxurious option it is. Fergus is thrilled as he can watch champions league, Arsenal match from his room tonight.
After some lunch in a French boulangerie we take a couple of cyclo's to visit The Citadel , which comprises three concrete enclosures. In its heyday the city must have been an awe-inspiring place, of glazed yellow and green roof tiles, pavilions of rich red and gilded lacquer, and lotus filled ponds. However out of the original 148 buildings, only twenty survived the American war. Regardless its an enjoyable tour, that is until Ad spot's a rat and gets a little flustered!
We negotiate a good price with a couple of scooter guy's to take us to see the Thien Du Pagoda , another hot spot! Our trip is very enjoyable, swerving to avoid cars, fellow scooters, bikes, cyclo's, pedestrians - its all about timing! My heart does skip a few beats when I narrowly avoid a bus, not too happy swerving these!
The Pagoda is in a wonderful setting overlooking the Perfume river. A couple of photos and we're off again. Our drivers have some difficulty finding our hotel so its a wee bit longer home. Its such fun riding these things we don't mind.
As recommended by the Rough Guide we choose to dine at a restaurant owned and operated by a deaf and mute family. When we pull up Ad's disgusted, the interior walls are corvered in graffiti and the entire establishment is very run down. BUT, it has received good reviews and we decide to give it a go. We are lead upstairs by our mute host. Despite the suroundings being written on, the restaurant is clean. We order a couple of beers and are treated to the hosts trick bottle opener. He has made his own opener, piece of timber and a bolt! Shortly after he produces three photo albums packed with previous customers who have taken his invention all around the globe, Paris, NYC, Canada, Munich, Sydney, Ayers Rock etc
Our meal is excellent, amoung the best since leaving Ireland. Fergus tries the traditional Hue dish.
Afterwards we take a night boat trip along the Perfume river and are entertained by three traditional Vietnamese instruments and five singers. At the interval each person sends a lighted candle and container down the river, its quiet magical.
Ninety minutes later we are trawling the streets looking for something sweet for Ad and a few beers for Fergus, the match is on!
