So, Robert and I really enjoy traveling in shoulder season or even off season.  There are far fewer tourists, everything is cheaper, and everything is just a tiny bit more chill.  But there is a reason off-season is off-season.  For example, here in Central Vietnam it is currently rainy season.  And, sometimes (although not very frequently), traveling during off season can really bite you right in the ass.  Our time in Hue was one of those times.  It rained every single day (and mostly all day) for each of the 5 days we were in Hue.  Rain, rain, rain.  So, nearly all of our plans for Hue fell through.  Rent a scooter and visit an abandoned water park or the old royal tombs or temples or graffiti street in the pouring rain?  Take a boat ride on the Perfume River in the pouring rain?  Yeah, I think not.

We did at least make it to the Imperial Citadel on one of the days with less rain.  The Imperial Citadel is yet another UNESCO site.

At the entrance to the walled city,

Construction on the Citadel began in the early 1800s, and it was the seat of power in Vietnam until the late 1880’s when the French took over.

A pop of color on a very gray day.

Thereafter, it fell into neglect and was significantly damaged when the Vietnamese fought the French for independence.  What was left was largely destroyed during the Vietnam war.  (Known here as the American War or “the Resistance against the Americans for the salvation of the country”).  The few building that remained after the wars have been or are being restored.  It is definitely worth seeing, but would be far more impressive when the sun was shining.

Red doors at the Citadel.

Other than that, we did absolutely no sightseeing in Hue.  Instead, we saw some movies (can you believe movies cost under $2.50/ticket in Hue????) and spent quite a bit of time at cafes sipping on coffees, soda waters, and lime juices.

One of the gates to the Citadel.

Oh, and you will be shocked to hear we spent some time in the local watering holes.  DMZ Bar and Tipsy Cafe were two favorites.  But, after Hue, Robert has instituted a new rule:  no visiting cowboy themed bars anywhere in Asia….

Now, fingers crossed that we get at least a few sunny days in Hoi An.