BootsnAll Travel Network



Feb 27-Mar 1: Hue

bus-1.jpg

A new experience – instead of a night train with sleeper berths, now we did a night bus – kind of wild – two tiers of beds, three across, you can see how they recline back. 

bus-2.jpg

we were in the back – they had 5 “beds” next to each other – perfect for our family -I guess we slept – periodically

bus-3.jpg

Hue:  Vietnam seemed to always be ruled by other nations- especially the Chinese, then the French, then the Vietnam war. Anyways, for about 200 years (prior to the French) Vietnam was a united country under the Nguyen emperors and its capital was Hue.  It is considered a national treasure and recognized as a Unesco World Heritage sight.  The “Citadel City” , built in the 1600’s – has a moat around the  whole citadel, which is a couple of square miles.  Within the Citadel, is the Forbidde where the emperor and and his court lived. It’s surrounded by a second moat.  It is quite an architectural wonder – there are pictures dating back to the 1940’s of royal processions etc.  It was also the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam war.  While the Americans were fighting elsewhere, the North Vietcong entered Hue and took it over. However, they also rounded up the wealthy – bankers, merchants, political foes in house to house searches and  killed over 2500 prominent citizens.  The southern forces with the US wanted to take it back and a lot of the palace area was destroyed in the fighting. It is slowly being refurbished as the funds become available.

sights-11.jpg

check out how thick the outside wall is

sights-2a.jpgsights-61.jpgsights-31.jpgfamily-11.jpg

I am unsure what there is to poach – rats? 

saying-1.jpgsights-4.jpg

The moat and entrance to the forbidden city – palace

sights-51.jpgsights-7.jpgsights-8.jpg

There are 12 cauldrons made of bronze – weighting ??? lbs – each for a Nguyen ruler –  one ruler began his rule at the age of 13

sights-9a1.jpg

The other reason for going to Hue is that it is close to the DMZ zone – the divide between the North and the South during the Vietnam or as they call it the American War.  This area was where the North murdered fleeing civilians as they were taking it over.  The shrine below was built for this reason. 

dmz-1a.jpgdmz-1.jpg

A French Church where the North set up a command post. There was a battle here – see the next picture and you can see the machine gun  holes etc.

dmz-2.jpgdmz-3.jpg

Our guide was from the south. Therefore, we heard the views of the “losing” side. Natalie’s since read a couple books about the war, and it’s pretty clear that both sides “lost.”  Anyway, our guide was a second captain – a recon guy for the GI’s.  Incredible stories – he actually would tear up and get quite emotional explaining what when on in the different areas we visited – because he was there himself and lost friends. After the war, he was sent to a “re-education camp” for 2 and a half years.When he was released, the government had taken his home and confiscated his assets. He and his wife are both lawyers. His wife was practicing for five years before the war ended. Now, since they are “blacklisted,” they can’t get any jobs. He gives these tours and his wife has been selling bananas.  We want to post this section, but Natalie wants to blog a little more on this subject – she was in the back of the tour van and was able to hear more stories.

dmz-51.jpg

He explained that this leaf would shrivel up when you touched it – then after 20 minutes it would rebound to its normal size – therefore, as he brought GI’s into the jungles, he could tell if any VC were nearby based upon how much the leaf was shriveled up or not.

dmz-7.jpg

Ho Chi Minh Trail

dmz-6.jpg

Con Thien Firebase – the major American base where GI’s could take a break from fighting, hospital, etc.  – a big area, but you can see it is now a rubber tree plantation.  The VC would launch rockets into this area from Laos.  They would take about 4 minutes to arrive – so when the air warning was sounded, they headed toward the bunkers prior to them arriving.

dmz-4.jpg

Still considered dangerous to go outside of the boundaries – unexploded ordnance still around

dmz-8.jpg

at the peak of the area – good visual vantage point – note concrete bunker – only war remnant left to see

dmz-firebase.jpgdmz-9a.jpgdmz-9b.jpg

Tube from rocket propelled launcher still lying there

dmz-9c.jpg

Troung Son Memorial Cemetary – for Northern VC fighters – we asked the guide if there was any cemetary for the southern forces – there isn’t. 

dmz-memorial.jpgdmz-9d.jpg

The demarcation line – the Ben Hai River – the split between North and South, created at the Geneva Convention truce talks after the Vietnam-French war.  The south at the time had a ruler who was catholic and did not want anything to do with the communist north – you can see the old bridge – the northern half was painted red and the southern half was painted yellow.  The flat country side on both sides of the river was bombed repeatedly. A photo that we saw looked like a moonscapemfrom all the craters from the bombs

dmz-9e.jpg

bomb crater

dmz-tun4.jpg

Vinh Moc Tunnels – in their original condition, unlike the tunnels in Siagon where they have been reinforced for tourists.  This was a community that built 3 levels of tunnels – the third level is actually 70 feet under ground – it was used to live in but also to smuggle Russian and Chinese weapons that came in from the sea, stored in the tunnels, then at night were hand lifted out to the HoChi Minh trail via Laos. The VC then travelled through Laos to attack the south.   At the surface level you see trenches -these were for if you got caught outside when a bombing run was being made. They could follow the trench and it would bring them to an entrance. 

dmz-9f.jpg

dmz-tun3.jpg

This is a ventilation shaft

dmz-tun2.jpg

Here we go – went to all the levels – therefore, we were actually 70 feet underground – stay close to the guide who had  a flashlight. I (Tim) was fumbling around for my camera and lo and behold when I looked up the group must have gone around a corner, because I was left there in the black – run quick and hope there was only one path – there was

dmz-tun1.jpg

you could actually scrape the clay off the side walls – They had a eating room, birthing room, hospital room, – a number of kids were born in the tunnel.

dmz-tun51.jpgdmz-tun9b1.jpg

Different levels would come out on the seaward side of the hill

dmz-tun6.jpgdmz-tun8.jpgdmz-tun7.jpg

Chinese and Russian weapons would be smuggled in off the coast to these tunnels.

dmz-tun9a.jpg



Tags:

59,079 responses to “Feb 27-Mar 1: Hue”

  1. Jackielug says:

    In our online publication, we strive to be your secure provenance in search the latest dirt nearly media personalities in Africa. We prove profitable special prominence to swiftly covering the most fitting events apropos of pre-eminent figures on this continent.

    Africa is rich in talents and solitary voices that hack the cultural and social aspect of the continent. We distinct not only on celebrities and showbiz stars but also on those who make impressive contributions in diverse fields, be it art, politics, science, or philanthropy https://afriquestories.com/author/afriquestori/page/5/

    Our articles fix up with provision readers with a sweeping overview of what is chance in the lives of media personalities in Africa: from the latest dirt and events to analyzing their connections on society. We control spoor of actors, musicians, politicians, athletes, and other celebrities to demand you with the freshest information firsthand.

    Whether it’s an choice sound out with a cherished name, an interrogation into disreputable events, or a rehashing of the latest trends in the African showbiz everybody, we do one’s best to be your fundamental provenance of news about media personalities in Africa. Subscribe to our publication to lodge alert to around the hottest events and fascinating stories from this captivating continent.

  2. Jamescelay says:

    best website to buy prescription drugs [url=https://pharmacynoprescription.pro/#]canadian pharmacy no prescription[/url] canadian drugs no prescription

  3. KeithRax says:

    http://gatesofolympus.auction/# gates of olympus demo

  4. FrankShelt says:

    pin up casino: pin up giris – pin up casino

  5. RaymondDar says:

    http://slotsiteleri.guru/# bonus veren slot siteleri
    aviator hilesi [url=https://aviatoroyna.bid/#]aviator oyna 100 tl[/url] aviator oyna 100 tl

  6. EdwardBioni says:

    https://pinupgiris.fun/# pin-up casino giris
    sweet bonanza free spin demo [url=https://sweetbonanza.bid/#]sweet bonanza giris[/url] sweet bonanza yorumlar

  7. FrankShelt says:

    deneme bonusu veren siteler: bonus veren casino slot siteleri – en iyi slot siteleri 2024

  8. Invesse says:

    Finally, the journey of Ivermectin, encapsulated by products like ivermectin treatment, from discovery to global health tool, is a testament to the enduring value of scientific curiosity and collaboration. Its story reflects the broader narrative of medical advancement, where cross-disciplinary efforts and the pursuit of knowledge can lead to solutions with the power to change the world. The legacy of Ivermectin, therefore, extends far beyond its immediate applications, embodying the spirit of innovation that drives progress in healthcare.

  9. RaymondDar says:

    https://gatesofolympus.auction/# gates of olympus taktik
    yasal slot siteleri [url=https://slotsiteleri.guru/#]slot kumar siteleri[/url] en cok kazandiran slot siteleri

  10. Williamraw says:

    slot kumar siteleri: deneme veren slot siteleri – deneme veren slot siteleri

  11. KeithRax says:

    http://slotsiteleri.guru/# en yeni slot siteleri

  12. Tommiehet says:

    Welcome to our dedicated stand for staying informed less the latest story from the Joint Kingdom. We take cognizance of the import of being well-informed upon the happenings in the UK, whether you’re a dweller, an expatriate, or purely interested in British affairs. Our extensive coverage spans across a number of domains including politics, briefness, taste, extravaganza, sports, and more.

    In the kingdom of politics, we abide by you updated on the intricacies of Westminster, covering parliamentary debates, government policies, and the ever-evolving countryside of British politics. From Brexit negotiations and their impact on profession and immigration to domestic policies affecting healthcare, edification, and the environment, we provide insightful review and punctual updates to stop you pilot the complex sphere of British governance – https://newstopukcom.com/looking-for-guidance-on-what-to-wear-to-a-charity/.

    Profitable dirt is crucial against reconciliation the pecuniary pulsation of the nation. Our coverage includes reports on superstore trends, business developments, and cost-effective indicators, offering valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike. Whether it’s the latest GDP figures, unemployment rates, or corporate mergers and acquisitions, we fight to read accurate and fitting report to our readers.

  13. FrankShelt says:

    deneme veren slot siteleri: yasal slot siteleri – slot casino siteleri

  14. EdwardBioni says:

    http://aviatoroyna.bid/# aviator sinyal hilesi ucretsiz
    aviator sinyal hilesi [url=https://aviatoroyna.bid/#]aviator sinyal hilesi[/url] aviator ucak oyunu

  15. RaymondDar says:

    https://gatesofolympus.auction/# gates of olympus taktik
    gates of olympus [url=http://gatesofolympus.auction/#]gates of olympus max win[/url] gates of olympus demo turkce oyna

  16. Tommiehet says:

    Appreciated to our dedicated stand for staying in touch about the latest intelligence from the Joint Kingdom. We understand the importance of being wise far the happenings in the UK, whether you’re a denizen, an expatriate, or naturally interested in British affairs. Our exhaustive coverage spans across sundry domains including political science, concision, education, entertainment, sports, and more.

    In the jurisdiction of civics, we keep you updated on the intricacies of Westminster, covering according to roberts rules of order debates, authority policies, and the ever-evolving landscape of British politics. From Brexit negotiations and their bearing on trade and immigration to residential policies affecting healthcare, edification, and the environment, we victual insightful review and punctual updates to stop you manoeuvre the complex sphere of British governance – https://newstopukcom.com/exciting-opening-of-a-diverse-bookshop-in/.

    Monetary dirt is crucial against adroitness the fiscal vibration of the nation. Our coverage includes reports on superstore trends, charge developments, and cost-effective indicators, contribution valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike. Whether it’s the latest GDP figures, unemployment rates, or corporate mergers and acquisitions, we fight to read meticulous and akin message to our readers.

  17. FrankShelt says:

    deneme bonusu veren slot siteleri: slot bahis siteleri – slot siteleri bonus veren

  18. Tommiehet says:

    Appreciated to our dedicated dais for staying informed round the latest story from the Collective Kingdom. We allow the import of being well-versed take the happenings in the UK, whether you’re a citizen, an expatriate, or simply interested in British affairs. Our comprehensive coverage spans across sundry domains including political science, briefness, culture, production, sports, and more.

    In the kingdom of civics, we support you updated on the intricacies of Westminster, covering conforming debates, sway policies, and the ever-evolving prospect of British politics. From Brexit negotiations and their burden on profession and immigration to residential policies affecting healthcare, education, and the atmosphere, we victual insightful review and timely updates to help you pilot the complex world of British governance – https://newstopukcom.com/the-benefits-of-choosing-tv-aerials-for-content/.

    Monetary despatch is crucial against reconciliation the financial vibration of the nation. Our coverage includes reports on market trends, organization developments, and budgetary indicators, donation valuable insights in behalf of investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike. Whether it’s the latest GDP figures, unemployment rates, or corporate mergers and acquisitions, we strive to deliver precise and akin report to our readers.

  19. EdwardBioni says:

    http://sweetbonanza.bid/# sweet bonanza oyna
    sweet bonanza guncel [url=https://sweetbonanza.bid/#]sweet bonanza slot demo[/url] sweet bonanza 100 tl

  20. FrankShelt says:

    pin-up casino indir: pin-up giris – pin up casino giris

  21. Williamraw says:

    aviator hile: aviator oyna slot – aviator giris

  22. FrankShelt says:

    slot siteleri 2024: slot casino siteleri – deneme bonusu veren slot siteleri

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *