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:

59,926 responses to “Feb 27-Mar 1: Hue”

  1. trolync says:

    Quelle est la force d’une famille avis pharmacie en ligne cialis.

  2. Hqtmvx says:

    buy cenforce 100mg generic buy cenforce 100mg buy generic glycomet 500mg

  3. Oonpjd says:

    order tegretol 400mg generic tegretol cheap buy lincomycin 500 mg pill

  4. ClementKer says:

    [url=https://mostbet-casino-sa.com]mostbet casino[/url]

    Install latest version of the application BC mostbet – play today!
    mostbet apk

  5. Axabqi says:

    buy atorvastatin 80mg for sale order zestril generic purchase lisinopril online

  6. Melissa Weaver says:

    Transform your kitchen with the latest trends and designs. Latest Kitchen Remodel expert team will guide you through every step of your kitchen remodel, from concept to completion. Discover innovative ideas, top-quality materials, and impeccable craftsmanship for the kitchen of your dreams. Start your journey towards a stunning new kitchen today.

  7. Lucille Davis says:

    Discover the finest selection of Home Roofing Tiles for your dream house. Our durable and stylish roofing tiles are expertly crafted to enhance the beauty and protection of your home. Choose from a wide range of colors, materials, and designs to find the perfect roofing solution that suits your style and budget. Invest in quality with our superior home roofing tiles today!

  8. Seth Cuevas says:

    Expert tips and advice on Roof Top Solar Tips installation and maintenance. Maximize your energy savings, reduce your carbon footprint, and take control of your energy costs with our comprehensive guide. Start harnessing the power of the sun today!

  9. Laiba Cline says:

    Transform your home with Home Decor Updates. Discover the latest trends and timeless styles for every room. From elegant accents to functional furniture, find inspiration and shop now for your dream home.

  10. Isaac Barrett says:

    Unlock your dreams of studying abroad with Ryugaku-Door. We provide comprehensive support and guidance for students seeking to study overseas. From choosing the right university to visa assistance, our team of experts is here to make your study abroad journey seamless and successful. Explore our services today and open the door to endless opportunities!

  11. Hi there! This post could not be written any better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He constantly kept preaching about this. I’ll forward this post to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

    Review my web site: ร้านสเต็กรัชโยธิน

  12. Wmqcor says:

    buy duricef 500mg online order ascorbic acid online purchase epivir online

  13. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much
    about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you could do with a few pics
    to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is great blog.
    An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

    My web-site – yaamava online casino facebook

  14. Bradley Rowe says:

    Some people think that writing on computers is easy. But I know how difficult it is to come up with ideas and turn them into meaningful and interesting content. Never give up, bro!

  15. Don’t forget to inform me when you’re going to release your next books. After seeing your face while you were writing, I’m feeling excited.

  16. I have heard so many times that reading is a good habit to have. But, after seeing you I realized that writing can be a better option, too.

  17. Hey man, keep writing and never get distracted. Inform me when you need any help I’ll provide everything, but never stop writing, Okay

  18. Thanks for your inspiring book. It guided me well during my journey and gave me the hope I was looking for. The way you explain the complex topic that easily is truly amazing.

  19. Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this website; this web site contains remarkable and actually good data designed
    for readers.

  20. Tojosu says:

    order omeprazole 20mg without prescription omeprazole 20mg sale tenormin 100mg without prescription

  21. Very nice blog post. I certainly appreciate this website.
    Keep it up!

    Here is my blog คาสิโนออนไลน์ 350

  22. This is very fascinating, You are a very skilled blogger.

    I have joined your feed and sit up for in the hunt for more of your fantastic post.
    Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks

    Review my webpage – online casino promo codes

  23. I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your
    post. They’re very convincing and can definitely work.
    Still, the posts are too brief for novices. Could
    you please prolong them a bit from subsequent time? Thank you
    for the post.

    Review my webpage … ออกแบบโบรชัวร์

  24. Vgmifw says:

    buy dostinex 0.25mg for sale how to buy claritin order priligy 60mg pills

  25. lonusly says:

    Does albuterol raise blood pressure albuterol nebulizer.

  26. fantastic submit, very informative. I ponder why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t notice this.
    You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a huge readers’
    base already!

    my web blog: most popular online games in the philippines 2023

  27. Elmermig says:

    [url=https://mostbethu.net]mostbet[/url]

    Upload apk file casino mostbet – win now!
    mostbet casino

  28. Xjeega says:

    medrol 16mg tablets desloratadine for sale online buy desloratadine generic

  29. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for
    your weblog. You have some really great posts and I think
    I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take
    some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write
    some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.

    Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Thank you!

    Here is my site bet22 online betting live casino

  30. Jjnsuo says:

    piracetam 800mg canada nootropil cost purchase clomipramine online

  31. We stumbled over here from a different website and thought I might as well check things out.
    I like what I see so now i am following you.

    Look forward to looking over your web page for a second time.

    Feel free to surf to my website: คาสิโนออนไลน์ 777

  32. I don’t even know how I finished up right here, but I thought this post used to be good.
    I do not recognise who you are however definitely you are
    going to a well-known blogger for those who aren’t already.
    Cheers!

  33. Qxfyjm says:

    zovirax 400mg oral rosuvastatin over the counter rosuvastatin 10mg for sale

  34. Eugene Brock says:

    Discover the latest Home Flooring Trends that will transform your space into a stylish haven. From timeless hardwood to contemporary vinyl and everything in between, explore the hottest flooring options for every room in your home. Elevate your interior design with our expert guidance and find the perfect flooring solution for your unique style and budget.

  35. Owais Osborn says:

    Transform your outdoor space with Pocket Garden Blendie, the ultimate solution for creating your dream garden. From vibrant flower beds to lush green lawns, Blendie empowers you to design and maintain a stunning garden all year round. Discover the perfect blend of convenience and beauty with Pocket Garden Blendie today!

  36. Neve Roy says:

    Explore the finest selection of curated art and collectibles at Cooper Sale House. Discover unique pieces from renowned artists and collectors. Bid, buy, and sell with confidence in our secure online marketplace. Join us today and elevate your art collection to new heights.

  37. Rabia Stokes says:

    Experience the best of craft beer and elevated dining at Hawthornehop House. Our extensive menu features a wide selection of handcrafted beers, paired with delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Join us for a memorable dining experience that combines great food, exceptional service, and a cozy atmosphere.

  38. Safaa Hammond says:

    Discover stunning Backsplash Kitchen Ideas to elevate your home’s design. From sleek and modern to rustic and charming, explore a variety of styles that will transform your kitchen into a visual masterpiece. Get inspired and find the perfect backsplash for your dream kitchen today.

  39. Kfnnrw says:

    buy sporanox 100 mg generic itraconazole without prescription buy tindamax 300mg for sale

  40. Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of
    volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the
    same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work
    on. You have done a wonderful job!

    My site; ดั ม มี เงินจริง เครดิตฟรี

  41. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video
    to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to
    your site when you could be giving us something enlightening
    to read?

    My web-site … best online casino real money

  42. Ioiksy says:

    order ezetimibe 10mg for sale buy tetracycline 500mg for sale buy tetracycline 250mg online cheap

  43. I am sure this post has touched all the internet viewers, its really really pleasant paragraph on building up new weblog.

    Also visit my page; fun88 ทางเข้า

  44. Seriously plenty of very good material!

    Feel free to visit my web-site – http://gdchuanxin.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=2274816

  45. Ekhokh says:

    buy olanzapine 10mg generic nebivolol medication buy diovan generic

  46. Rkdxrb says:

    buy cyclobenzaprine online cheap toradol oral purchase toradol generic

  47. Davidswarl says:

    [url=https://mostbet-casino-morocco.com]mostbet[/url]

    Install application online casino mostbet – play now!
    mostbet

Leave a Reply

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