Huế is a large city about 80 km from where we are here in Da Nang. Because of the terrain, the ride there on a scooter takes around 2 1/2 hours so it made for a long day on the scooter (and some sore bums afterwards 😂). Along the journey we saw it ALL: ocean views, jungle rainforest, mountain waterfalls, rice fields, fishing villages, water buffalo…. and a mix of busy traffic jams and empty mountain roads!
The city of Huế was formerly the feudal capital of Vietnam, under the Nguyen Dynasty - the last royal dynasty in Vietnam from 1802-1945. During this time, the Imperial City was built up as a military and political stronghold, until the country was divided into North and South Vietnam in 1945. The original Imperial City walls and many of the buildings inside still remain and it was fascinating to walk around. It contains the original palaces that housed the imperial family, as well as shrines, gardens, and villas for mandarins (the name for a beaurocratic scholar during that monarchist period).
There is so much history in Vietnam; I honestly find it very hard to keep everything straight in my mind. Between the French takeover, Chinese feudal dynasties, Buddhism vs Confucianism, civil war and communism, Indochina Wars, the Vietnam War, etc….it’s all just a lot to try and learn about.
On that same note, last week we visited the Ho Chi Minh War Museum here in Da Nang. It’s a huge museum that describes Vietnam military activity throughout history. It was very informative. At the end of trying to take in all the information I dramatically said to Jared, “So essentially these poor people have just been defending themselves for hundreds of years??” Haha. Not exactly, but they have a very in-depth history which I’m sure I’ll never have a full grasp on. I’m trying though!
No comments:
Post a Comment