We have been in Hue for the past couple of days. It's a bit cooler now at 36c. Much better than 40c!
Last night there was an amazing lightening storm. It lit up the night sky like it was Christmas! No rain, just big bolts of lightening flashing and dancing along the horizon.
This morning we headed off the the Forbidden City (the Citadel) where the former Kings and Emperors of Vietnam used to rule. Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam years ago. Much of the Forbidden City was destroyed by US bombers where the Viet-Cong were hiding out during the war. It's a shame to see so much history destroyed in one fowl swoop. We also stop in at another pagoda where the monk who had burned himself in Saigon in 1963 to protest Diem (the former Catholic President of South Vietnam) was from. The car in the back ground is still at that pagoda in Hue today. It is believed by some (conspiracy theory) that Diem was put into power by the Americans. Given that 85% of the country is Buddhist, it seems silly (maybe even stupid) to have a Catholic President.
Last night there was an amazing lightening storm. It lit up the night sky like it was Christmas! No rain, just big bolts of lightening flashing and dancing along the horizon.
This morning we headed off the the Forbidden City (the Citadel) where the former Kings and Emperors of Vietnam used to rule. Hue used to be the capital of Vietnam years ago. Much of the Forbidden City was destroyed by US bombers where the Viet-Cong were hiding out during the war. It's a shame to see so much history destroyed in one fowl swoop. We also stop in at another pagoda where the monk who had burned himself in Saigon in 1963 to protest Diem (the former Catholic President of South Vietnam) was from. The car in the back ground is still at that pagoda in Hue today. It is believed by some (conspiracy theory) that Diem was put into power by the Americans. Given that 85% of the country is Buddhist, it seems silly (maybe even stupid) to have a Catholic President.
1 comment:
Hi Nancy,
I have been reading your blog with great interest. It has bee a great trip for both of us though I would rather experience it first hand. It seems as though you have learned a ton and had some great experiences. Thanks for sharing.
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