Day 5a Hue: Michelangelo is spinning in his grave.

The Dragon Bridge

We visited the ancient Hue Citadel in the morning.  Hue, (pronounced Whay) may be familiar to some of you.  During the Vietnam/American War, Hue was sieged by the Vietcong for 30 days with the American and South Vietnamese forces attempting to regain control of the city.  The ancient Citadel was practically destroyed with over 200 American deaths and thousands of dead Vietcong, South Vietnamese military and, of course, civilians.

The siege of Hue was part of the Tet Offensive where the Vietcong swept into all of South Vietnam to overthrow the government and drive out the Americans.  Indeed, at the Battle of Hue, respected correspondent, Walter Conkrite, who was embedded with the Marines, concluded that the Vietnam War was unwinnable.  President Johnson is alleged to have said that if he lost Walter Conkrite, he lost Middle American.  He did and he did.  I was part of protests thereafter, as well.

Next, the marble factory.  A few pictures, amazing artistry.  You don't buy and take these home in your carry-on.  I think most of these show up in crazy-rich Asian mansions and 5-star hotels.

Hundreds and hundreds of marble statues, a couple of the more
unique ones.  Lots of Buddhist statues.

Here is Michelangelo's David.  At best, a poor rendition,
until you looked closely at his 'package'.

He's CIRCUMCIZED!  This is definitely a fail!