We started off this very rainy day by leaving the wonderful town of Hoi An and travelling on a bus through the Hai Van Pass to Hue. After we arrived in Hue, we hopped on a dragon boat (originally just for the King and Queen) and sailed up the Perfume River to the Thien Mu pagoda. We learnt about the monks and the four main animals of Vietnamese belief – dragon, unicorn, turtle and the phoenix. The Thien Mu pagoda is the highest pagoda in Vietnam. We also learnt about the extraordinary monk who protested against the Southern discrimination of Buddhism by driving 600 kilometres to assign and calmly burning himself in the street. His name was Quang Duc. When he was burnt alive, his heart was totally undamaged.
After the visit to the pagoda, we went back to the hotel and got ready for our official imperial banquet dinner complete with live Vietnamese music, uniform and a King and queen and their loyal subjects. Queen Ayda and King Dima commanded their subjects throughout the night. As well as live Vietnamese performances, we had performances by Emerson, Jess and Lauren.
To the families:
We are currently missing home but still enjoying a wonderful experience here in Vietnam and we would like to thank our families for being able to fund this amazing experience, we can’t wait to tell you the adventures we have had in Vietnam.
Chloe, Lucas G and Lochie
Photos: Vietnam Red standing outside the Thien Mu Pagoda; photos from the Imperial Banquet dinner (featuring costumes and King Dima & Queen Ayda).
