Huế Citadel & Da Bong Market

Our first (very rainy) stop in mainland Asia was the capital city of Vietnam's last feudal dynasty in Vietnam, from 1802 to 1945. We visited Hue's citadel where the gates, pavilions, palace and other structures were gorgeously built - a feast for the eyes. Much has been restored, but many of the royal architectural structures inside Hue Historic Citadel were severely damaged by bombings during the wars in the 20th century.

Buddhism and ancestor worship are deeply ingrained into daily life. Many of the people in our neighbourhood would cook their meals, lay out the dishes, and then light some incense. When the incense burned down, it would be the family's turn to eat. Also, every home and business we visited had a small alter adorned with fruit, candy, soda, paper money or other offerings to the ancestors.

Vietnamese food is awesome! We sampled many types of dishes at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant where we sheltered from the pouring rain. Our hostess was gregarious and warm. She gifted us with a home-made wooden bottle cap opener, and showed us a video of her using them to open 8 bottles at once with her arm!

Da Bong Market was full of so much amazing food and so many tchotchkes.Leer más