Hue (pronounced hway) is a city in the center of the country.

Before the arrival of the French, it was the imperial capital.  Pictured here are the Nine Dynastic Urns, located inside the imperial citadel.

We visited Hue in January of 2007.

This gazebo sits just outside the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, which was completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive.

The coolest part of Hue are all the Imperial Tombs that dot the riverbank.

The best way to see these tombs (which are like miniature palaces) is to rent one of these houseboat style tour boats.

We rented a smallish houseboat for just the two of us.

During the day, it takes tourists to the tombs.  During the night, the driver's family lives here.

It seems that dirt dredging is a big industry on all Vietnam's major rivers.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is a major Vietnamese icon, and the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's a seven-story octagon constructed in 1844.  Quite stunning.

Sarah at the base of the pagoda.

This monk woman (nun?) wanted a picture with Sarah.

We had been checking out the nun, wondering how to ask to get a picture with her.

Your basic giant turtle carrying a huge stone tablet of wisdom.

The Tomb of Thieu Tri.

Every tomb needs at least one big stele.  That's the pole obelisk in the middle of the picture.

Nice stele, Mr. Thieu Tri.

Why are you taking my picture with livestock?

The tomb of Minh Mang

This is the biggest of the "tombs" which is more like its own complete palace.  Pictured is the crescent lake that sits inside the tomb grounds.

Some of it is in ruins.

It's hard to tell what intensity of color these roof-ridge dragons had originally, but they have weathered really beautifully to mute pastels.

The stele pavilion of Minh Mang.  I think this is the temple where you worship the departed emperor.

The stone Mandarins in the Honor Courtyard.

Sarah helps guard the spirit of Minh Mang.