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Published: February 25th 2014
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24th feb - Monday
Up with the mopeds, but spent an hour enjoying home brewed tea (Paula's ) in our comfortable room. After a reasonable breakfast with as much fruit as a body can take, We leave on foot for the Imperial and Forbidden City, fighting off persistent offers of Taxi, Bike,Rickshaw Cyclists, we finally reach the Island and enter through Ngo Mon Gate.
The colours and architecture are very impressive. The Citadel itself had been badly damaged through the ravages of war, but with help from the UN and other Charities, the City is slowly restoring some of its short but colourful history under the Nguyen and French Dynasty. We ambled around without a guide, but absorbed the flavour of the site, which we found very peaceful.
Upon reaching the Mandarin's audience room, there is a central Dias with a large ornate throne, where visitors can hire authentic robes of the Emperor and Empress and have photos taken. The couple we observed, we believe to be Korean, were enacting the scene, but unfortunately somewhat ruined the moment by having their mobile phones attached to their ears throughout. This 'dressing up' option seemed very
popular, as there were at least a dozen people sitting in a queue, awaiting their Emperor moments. We thought this slightly bizarre, but enjoyed the scene tremendously.
Leo was very impressed by the Fish pools and ponds full of Koi Carp and Tench and bemoaned the lack of a fishing rod! On leaving the Citadel we passed what appeared to be a War Museum, full of American and Russian ordinance, which was presumably abandoned in Hue.
After a pleasant lunch in a riverside restaurant we decided to take a boat trip on the Perfume river taking in the Pagodas. That was a story in itself, we were quoted from Dong 450,000 per person to 300,000 total for the same 1.5 hr boat ride , needless to say we took the cheaper option. The trip was on a river boat covered with painted wooden platesto look like a Dragon.
The family who operated it lived on board, so although a private hire, had the added benefit of watching family washing clothes and their cute little daughter running about through out the trip. Halfway through the really relaxing voyage, we notice a sign
offering refreshments. On asking for a couple of beers, the skipper immediately increased speed , did a U Turn, then coming along side a larger river boat exchanged a few words, matched speed and received several very Cold beers from the other boat's cooler. Beer received, we continue our course, returning as agreed 1.5 hrs after departure, very idyllic and well worth the money.
Returning to our Hotel, it's a quick turn-around for our Dinner of Lobster at The 4-star Saigon Morin. Backpacking ? No sheer indulgence, for once. The Restaurant, is very good, the entertainment likewise. We enjoy the ambiance. The price for a four course meal including a glass of Australian Chardonnay each is very competitive at about £25 each, unfortunately the Lobster was bit overcooked and too much Garlic, but a very good evening nevertheless.
Note: Paula refused to let Leo extract the leg meat with the supplied tool as she thought it too insect-like when viewed shell-side up.
Tomorrow we are cycling to a local beach, 28 km round trip, although knowing our navigation skills probably need to add another 15 km.
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