| June 28 , 2004 Hue Journal Entry by D. Fong |
Tu Dynasty Tu IV 1868-1894
Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda
Two choices today: Hue or Ho Chi Minh Trail
Four decided to do the Trail; gone all day.
Brian off on his own adventure through the countryside.
Citadel – 1,000 years of Chinese domination sure left its mark. The Citadel is basically a copy of the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Everywhere we go there are reminders of the Chinese occupation… statues, architecture, art, clothing styles.
A few of us had a little fun with "dress-up"…you’ll have to view the pix at the end of the trip and decide for yourself whether we look “regal” or not!
When we visited Tu’s Tomb it was a surprise to find that he wasn't actually buried in the tomb itself, but somewhere within the perimeter of the surrounding tomb area. I wonder if tomb looting is/was as prevalent as in Egypt? Someone mentioned that maybe the strong Buddhist beliefs would prevent the kind of looting common with Egyptian tombs.
Had the afternoon free – so off we went to the “Market” across the river – by bicycle carriage no less (cyclo)? Intriguing experience…especially exciting was making the swift turn straight into oncoming traffic. My driver looked the oldest of the bunch, but he was determined NOT to come in last at the market. I was pretty amazed at his leg-strength going uphill!
Strolled the market and got to talking with some of the girls selling things. One very friendly girl went down the aisles with us and explained some of the more unfamiliar vegetables. I learned what young bananas look like and how they peel and separate the parts for cooking. At the beginning of our conversation, she said she had a boyfriend in NYC and she hopes to join him. Later, we talked about other things and eventually she said she was lucky and had a mother-in-law who was very good to her --- okay, boyfriend in NYC first, now a husband? in Vietnam?? Can I believe anything she says????
Met another girl – beautiful with almost flawless English. Very good saleswoman. I asked why she was working the market instead of a job in the tourist industry or in a government job. She said she had to leave school early because her family couldn't afford to send her to school anymore, and you have to have a college degree for the good jobs. I asked her if she could make enough money to put herself through school. She replied it was too late and she was too old (at 24!?) Another one of life’s little inequalities. Her talents are wasted in that market, but then again she says she’s making a decent wage helping her family and herself – and in thinking about it, I guess she’s better off there than doing other things. But it can’t be very much fun or stimulating to have to put that smile on every day and hustle customers to your stall, knowing that this might be all there is in your future.
Found out that PURPLE is the color for Monday. It’s the most auspicious color to start the work week – and the government encourages workers to wear that color on Mondays. That’s why we were seeing so many women in purple ao dais today.
The group from the Trail returned; great time, good scenery, an easier trip than expected and a decision that it would be a very good trip to add to the itinerary next year. Billboards and the contrast with the rural countryside captured Charlene’s attention.
Turns out Brian hired a driver and roamed the countryside – just like a photojournalist! – only this one went off with only one camera and half a roll of film !! He needs to tell you his story himself!