Ramblings around Hue

On our way back from our tour we asked Ksnas to drop us off at the park by the river. It looked like something was going on when we passed it in the morning.

More preparations for Tet. Hundreds of bonsai trees on show, think it was a competition. They have a thing for huge polished stones over here, some are gorgeous, some hideous. And lot of families and girls dressed up, not sure what that was about, but the looked lovely.

Wasn't he lovely, he was having great fun.

Oh and model chimps everywhere!

And the girls! Oh to have a figure like that.. Sigh!

Colour coded

I've clocked on that the buildings are colour coded. Kate, will have to ask your opinion, as much more knowledgeable about Vietnam than me.  Communist party buildings are sort of pink/peach coloured, and certainly in the major towns are immaculate, freshly painted and affluent looking. There are other giveaways like numerous flags, posters and guards. But they look empty and used.

Pale yellow are government buildings but quite as immaculate looking. Schools are yellow as well, but often scruffy looking. And then there is the rest, from dismal grey to bright blue.

Code of the road.

You start with cycles, but not that many usually with little old ladies on them. I bet twenty years ago everyone rode them. Then there are the scooters, virtually one for every person here. If a scooter hits a cyclist is is always their fault. Then there are scooters who think they own the road and everyone should get out of their way, that is everyone. Then there are old banger cars doing right angles across four lanes. If a car hits a scooter, it is the cars fault.

Then you have the newer cars with green number plates. These are government people and are the bully boys of the roads. They just charge through everything and push everyone out of the way. (Not my words, but a locals). Lastly there are huge four wheel tanks and high end cars with red number plates. These are party officials and can do what they want. Sounds familiar. And lastly again scooters who do actually what they want, wherever and on all sides of the road.  😎

Bring back bikes!!

My lastly recollection of Hanoi is walking out to the night market. It was heaving with stalls, people and scooters trying to drive through. And then a Bentley not much smaller than the width of the road slowly pushing its way through. What person tries to drive a Bentley through Hanoi. Derrrr 😎

So that is enough ramblings. Up and on tomorrow to Hoi An. We have enjoyed Hue.