Uploads from The Spirit of the World, with geodata

We're Hungry!

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Sat, 25 May 2013 17:03:29 -0700

All of the elements of nature that Asians respect so much are found in the Imperial City of Hue. Folks bring along some bread crumbs for them when they visit. Seeing them, brought the Imperial City to life.

Gates and Courtyards

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Sat, 25 May 2013 08:31:02 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

The huge Imperial City which is 2.5 K on its perimeter is filled with courtyards and doors and arches. Each building was designed to serve the Emperor in specialized ways. The gates were always decorated by reliefs and mosaics created in the prime colors. All of the elements of the earth an also be found in the complex.

A Glimpse of Elegance

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:14:58 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

The Imperial City is being restored. Time has faded many of the buildings, walls and gates. The exterior walls of one of the buildings gave visitors a hint of what the city looked like when the Emperor and his court used to live there in the 1800's.

Imperial Reflections

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:10:10 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

While most of the moat around the Imperial City in Hue was not filled with water, lily ponds did greet visitors at the entrance. A nice contrast to the ancient buildings made of stone.

This Way to the Imperial City

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:48:46 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

We are in Hue Vietnam. The city is made up of the Imperial City and tombs. These structures were built when Emperors ruled the country in the early 1800's. Of course there are many neighborhoods where the residents live, but these sites are huge and encompass a great deal of Hue.

There is a large wall around the old Imperial City and a moat. It is located on the Perfume River.

Paris Meets the Imperial City

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:32:47 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

We have now reached Hue which is a Vietnamese city rich in historical significance, You were with me during that long drive so you know that the first place I wanted to go was the patio of the old historic hotel where I was staying and relax with a cold drink.

The Saigon Morin Hotel has been recently renovated and it is a lovely gem on the streets of Hue. It is located on the Perfume River and dates back to the early 1900's. it has been lovingly restored with reminders of its glory days through out the public areas.

This is a lovely screen depicting the entrance to the Imperial City where the emperors of Vietnam lived in the 1800's.

Memories of the Past

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:40:13 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

Along the road to Hue is this Viet Cong graveyard. Having been in Vietnam during the conflict, this was a very poignant moment for me. The VC were fierce fighters and highly skilled soldiers who were shadowy figures feared by the American troops.

This is one of the graveyards dedicated to them. Many of the graves show little information about each of the fighters so even in death they remain an enigma. Even though I remember them as the enemy, I felt a great deal of sadness when I saw their graves and thought of the senseless nature of war.

Leaving the Lagoon

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:14:14 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

One last shot of this peaceful oasis along the route from Da Nang to Hue. Even though there is a thriving industry going on here, the views inspired one to stop and reflect on the beauty of rural Vietnam.

A Seafood Restaurant

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:47:07 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

In the middle of the lagoon where oysters are cultivated is this restaurant. No we didn't stop, but I cannot think of a more relaxing and tranquil place to eat.

Well, I am approaching the 400,000 mark and I want to thank you for all of the views and comments. I am pleased that I was able to add this shot in celebration. It reminds me of all of the beautiful simplistic art work I have seen in Asia which happens to be my favorite. Of course, the scenes are usually of birds or trees, not restaurants.

Red Flags

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Sat, 18 May 2013 09:25:37 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

The flags that are flying on top of this building are the flags of Vietnam. The red is for all of the blood that that the Vietnamese have shed in conflicts and wars.

This is one of the areas where they cultivate oysters and may be one of the places where the Australians are lending their expertise.

Probably one of my favorite shots of Vietnam because if its simplicity and feeling of tranquility. Asians are fond of painting such simple and serene scenes.

Fishing in the Round

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:58:41 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

This type of little round boat can be found all through Vietnam. Now the question is what exactly is he doing. I know he is in the area where oysters are cultivated, but his precise task I can't tell you. I welcome the information and in the meantime, I thought you might enjoy the image.

Lovely Lily Light

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:38:33 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

Another lily from the pond in Hoi An. The previous shots and the up coming shots are all water shots and not very colorful and as some of you know I must have color.

Getting Ready to Catch the Big One

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:20:36 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

Another shot of the boats in the water by the fishing village. The village is between Da Nang and Hue in Vietnam.

The Fishing Village Up Close

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:42:57 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

You saw the view from a far of the fishing village on the lovely sandy beach. Before you decide to quit your day job and move there, do remember that the little villages in Vietnam and Asia are places where the work and life can be difficult.

On the Other Side of the Pass

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:53:27 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

As I have mentioned, the drive from Da Nang to Hue is filled with a few spectacular views. The views though are often hazy because of the clouds. I fell in love with this little fishing village nestled in between a beach and the mountains. Even the man made bridge didn't distract from its appeal.

Sea and Clouds

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:04:10 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

This view is from Haivon Pass between Da Nang and Hue in Vietnam. As you can see, even on a VERY over cast day, the view is quite spectacular. The beach area is close by the beach I showed you earlier. This drive in Vietnam is scenic and lovely. The name of the pass translates as sea and clouds.

A Pagoda Along the Way

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:19:44 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

Driving from Da Nang to Hue, I saw several lovely pagodas. This is one that stood among the clouds and hazing sky making it even more mystical in appearance.

Buddha Has a View

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:59:59 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

Low hanging clouds and a hazy morning almost hide the beautiful Buddha that is on the hill overlooking the beaches of Da Nang. The Buddha sits at the beginning of Haivan Pass leading to the mountains and then to Hue. The name of the pass translates as sea and clouds. I was amazed that the Buddha appeared in the shot, but then it is a Buddha.

A Rich History

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Sun, 12 May 2013 07:03:56 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

Tam Thai pagoda on Marble Mountain outside of Danang was originally built in 1630 and rebuilt and restored by Emperor Minh Ming in 1825. It overlooks the South China Sea and the mountain it was built on is rich with marble. The area around this pagoda and north on the South China Sea is often engulfed in low hanging clouds, fog and mist from the sea.

With Loving Care

nobody@flickr.com (The Spirit of the World) — Sat, 11 May 2013 17:08:42 -0700

The Spirit of the World posted a photo:

Working in the rice fields is a back breaking job. However, everyone I saw seemed to be giving their full attention to the job and tending to the crop with great passion and care.

We are now driving from Hoi An to Hue on the coast of Vietnam. We will be going by beaches, lagoons and up trough mountains. It is a very scenic drive.