Hue's major landmark is the Citadel encircling the Forbidden City that protected the emperors and their constituents from invaders. Talking with the local people, I gained the sense that Hue represented the true pulse of Vietnam's culture, minimally affected by invasion, occupation, wars and political strife. My visit to Vietnam also provided me with insight into the country's needs and its prospects for the future. Vietnam's infrastructure is rapidly improving because of government and foreign investments. A major highway now connects Hanoi to Saigon.
More rural residents have electricity.
I witnessed two new power plants being built. Slowly, telephones are making their way into homes. Vietnam's economic recovery hasn't trickled down to everyone. I was surprised during my visit to find college graduates driving taxis. It is hard to imagine that the quality of life for most of Vietnam's citizens will improve greatly in the near future.