Our Imperial Palace tickets were good for two of the several Imperial Tombs up the river, and another day we hired a car and driver to take us to see the tombs of the emperors Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. The former dates from the first half of the 19th century; the latter was completed just a decade before I was born. Not exactly ancient, but interesting. Two were plenty for us.
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In a Zen trance, still back at the Imperial Palace, I am seeking inspiration about
which two of the several imperial tombs to visit; turns out they were printed on
the tickets |
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| Independence--Freedom--Happiness...Socialism |
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| Excellent signage all over, befitting a World Heritage site; and in English too |
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| Moat |
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| Guards |
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Many buildings, courtyards, stages of the visit/pilgrimage; not going to show
them all here |
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| Stele celebrating the accomplishments of Minh Mang |
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One of two flanking buildings for housing Minh Mang's surviving concubines
and eunuchs; he is reputed to have had some 500 concubines...it would be
interesting to know how many eunuchs were required... |
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| Lots of bonsai and other ornamental plants |
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| One of two large obelisks at the final pavilion |
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| Bridge to tomb |
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| And across the bridge, the tomb itself |
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A huge stone tumulus, 285m in circumference, 3m high; the tomb is opened once
a year on Minh Mang's death anniversary |
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| Tree vs. stone episode #28,956 |
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| Our set is complete |
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| Spring arriving |
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