Hi all We are now in Hue. We flew in earlier today and had time at the hotel for a snooze, now its back to sight seeing. The guide took us outside the hotel and 2 cyclo drivers were waiting for us. We climbed aboard and away we went. I dont think I've ever been so scared, the traffic in vietnam is like nothing I've ever seen (even on TV), the sheer volume of bikes and cars is beyond belief and my thought as I was being driven through the traffic on the cyclo was well if we get hit its me who gets it in the neck, its alright for the driver further back and lifted up. Saying that Rob seemed to be enjoying himself on this picture and we arrived safe and well at the Citadel. The Citadel dates back to 12th century and is the former home and fortress of the King of Vietnam. The Citadel is guarded by 3 sets of walls and is layered, so behind the first wall is the area for entertaining etc and when you get behind the 3rd wall, this is the former living quarters for the King (the wife had her own!!). The King needed quite a big space seeing as he had 1 wife and over 300 minor wives (mistresses) Rob nearly choked and told the guide he had trouble coping with one wife! The Citadel was beautiful and had a french influence in its architecture (the french colonised Vietnam), it was a shame that the American war had destroyed some of the buildings, but enough reamined to get a good feel for the place. Afterwards the guide steered us towards the cyclo men again and I again panicked. We arrived safe and well back at the hotel foe a brief rest before going on a trip up the perfume river. We boarded our boat (not quite as glam as the one in Halong Bay) and off we went up the perfume river. Those of you who know me well know I am desperate for a tumble dryer and constantly moan about not having one. I was in for a shock when I saw tons of women scrubing their clothes by hand in the river and felt rather ashamed of my moaning for a dryer. I wouldnt mind but all families who live on the river boats all seemed to have glowing white shirts so may have to trade in the washing machine when we get home!! After the boat trip, we had a look around the Thien My Pagoda (like a temple) which was great. The view was fabulous and we got a few nice photos (see the website). Following this, we headed for the fine arts museum and then the Tu Dac and Khai Dinh Tombs. Both tombs were amazing and its hard to imagine how they were built in a time before modern building means. All in all, we had a great time in Hue. We have our cooking class tonight and then its off to Hoi and Danang. speak to you soon Lots of Love Shelley and Rob xxx