Into South Vietnam . . .

At some point this morning, while on the train, we crossed over the former DMZ into the South - finally stopping at Hue - the epicenter of the major fighting that occurred during the Tet Offensive. You might wonder if we observed any significant changes between our experiences in the North versus the South. When we got off the train, we were greeted by incessant motorbike honking, people trying to sell us cyclo rides, and Greg's hacking cough only seems to be worsening. So to answer your question, no, there's very little difference so far.

The main reason people come to Hue is the Citadel. It was probably 95 degrees out with no shade and the layout of the citadel is confusing - with no path to follow and virtually no description about anything. I did enjoy, though, this caption under this American tank - particularly its reference to the ARVN as "puppet soldiers." Puppet soldiers are the worst. Strings getting caught up on rifles - it's really just a mess. Nobody wants that.

No terribly exciting photos to post today as poor lighting and just oppressive heat plagued us. It makes you wonder how guys did it while carrying 40 lbs of gear. Tomorrow we hired a car to take us from Hue to Hoi An through the Hai Van pass