Frustration I had written up a long posting about today on the 600 km 50 minute flight from Hanoi to Hue, Viet Nam’s old capital, and it vanished into the ether, never to be found Grrrrrrrr!
Anyway leaving Hanoi we saw all the flowers and Pomelo (like grapefruit) trees being sold as we as peach blossom trees as they are in high demand during this New Year season (New Year is Feb 19). Full grown Pomelo trees run upwards of $2,000, but can be rented for the season for $500.
The short flight was uneventful and after dropping the bags at the hotel we went off to see the Buddhist monastery and Pagoda whose cornerstone was laid by the King in 1601. The monastery has children 8 and above that come from broken, abusive, alcoholic and parental deceased backgrounds and although they are free to leave only 3% actually leave, the rest serve the rest of their lives. They go to regular schools in the town and have morning and evening prayers and do chores. The have a strictly vegetarian diet and sleep in cells on the premises that has three courtyards.
After the monastery we took a dragon boat, so named as the bow is made to look like a dragon, along the perfume river so named Dorie to sandalwood trees up-stream that would permeate the odor of the water. It does not smell like perfume today ! Much shopping was done on board as the captain had a captive audience .
After a brief stop back at the hotel we went out for our usual 12 course Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant.
So ends this abbreviated message, but as I remember more of what was in the original one, I’ll let you know.
Roger & Anne Travels 
Roger great photos! Make sure you let the ladies take some photos of you!
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