HUE-28/06/06 Am sat at the WHY NOT? bar- with cold Larue in hand-happy & relaxed.Jottin notes in my journal. On my way to Tropical garden restaruant - it is incredibly humid and as my leggies stick to gether in a low waddle I am in a quandry what to eat. Feel like an iced soup!! Well one day later - still hotter than a wok but getting my head around it. Slowly slowly monkey monkey-- Had a superb manicure and pediure at Saigon Morin hotel - just to retreat to air con!! Well decided on a City Tour!- uncluding the Royal Tombs of theRulers of the Nguyen dynasties-1801-1945.They are extravagant mausoleums that were constructed along the banks of the Perfume river about 16km from the centre of Hue. The Tomb of Ming Mang-the most majestic of the Royal Tombs -he ruled from 1820-1840. Reknowned for the architecture which is harmoniously blended into exquisite natural surroundings. It is magnificent in its own right-but the heat which is hot hot hot in its own right tends to dampen enthusiasm - am just constantly looking for cool cool cool- iced lemonade and air con. Sad but true. The heat is definately something to consider when deciding when / if to come. Tomb of Khaidinh is perhaps symptomatic of the decline of Vietnam cultue during theColonial period. It was built in 1920 and completed in 1931- the grandiose concrete structure is completely unlike Hues other tombs being a synthesis of Vietnam and European elements.Even stone faces of the Mandaring honour gurards are endowed with European & Vietnamese features. I have climbed sufficient steps to qualify for Stepmaster Challenge- One would hope my buttocks would be like bullets but have not looked lateley! Onto the Citadel. Having been assured that today is a cool Hue experience- I march on! The Citadel has a 10 km pereimeter -begun in 1804 on a site chosen by the Emporer.Originally made of earth,but tens of thousands of workers laboured to cover the ramparts with bricks 2 meters thick. Built in the style of of French architect VAUBAN(recognise the name?) It has 3 sides that are straight and the 4th rounded slightly to follow teh curve of the river. The Forbidden Purple City -was reservd soley for personal use of the Emporer and his minnions-Eunochs, Hussies and help.It was almost completely destroyedduring theTet Offensive - but the ruins and reconstructed parts are impressive - spotted with Mimosa --and vegetable plots - many a story could be told here. Another Pagoda- !! and followed by a boat trip on Perfume river-true to its name- it iwas a good finale to a well informed trip- and hastily back to iced cold drinks and cold showers.- steak & Chips at French restaurant and couple of glasses of red. Heard from Louis they are in Vic Falls and sound content. On their way south and am sure ready for some R&R.Cannot wait to see Babu- Love him more each day -absences is a wierd thing .No doubt makes heart grow fonder ,but also have time to realise just how good life is - together - without the old rhino I cannot imagine. Well early 6am start for the DMZ -Demilitarized Zone - so off to bed. Sweetdreams all.