Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

The Reunification Palace is an important destination for all tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City. However, as a palace it is a disappointment. The original building was destroyed in 1962 by two rebel South Vietnamese Pilots in an assassination bid on the then President Diem who ordered the remaining building to be completely demolished and a new Palace to be built.

View of the Palace from the Front

There isn't much to see except rooms which you cannot enter but only see through the doors. An interesting place is the basement with its telecommunications centre, war room and the numerous tunnels leading to the bunkers. However unbearably hot and humid in there and if you are claustrophobic then best to avoid.

Two of the main rooms of the Palace

 On the roof is displayed the helicopter which was used by the president. Two spots have been highlighted where another rebel of the South Vietnam army tried to bomb the palace.

The Helipad on the Roof and the 2 spots where bombs were dropped

The main attraction are the 2 tanks on the right as one enters the Palace grounds. These were the tanks that smashed through the gates when the North took over the South.

One of the Tanks that were used to Capture the Palace

The Reunification Palace in Saigon is an important destination to visit if you  in the city. It gives one a perspective of the history and of Vietnam.  

Please also visit my webiste Pravine Chester's Photography

Cathedral of Peter & Paul in St Petersburg

If you are in St Petersburg, visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress is a must. Inside the Fortress, the most important structure is the Sts Peter and Paul cathedral. 

View of the Cathedral

This is the oldest church in St Petersburg and was consecrated on June 29, 1733. The cathedral is closely linked to both the history of the city and to the Romanov dynasty and is home to the graves of nearly all the rulers of Russia since Peter the Great. It is located within the Peter & Paul Fortress on an island near the bank of the river Neva and  built under the direction of Tsar Peter I .

The Main Pulpit of the Church

T One of the Beautiful Chandeliers in the church 

 

View of the Cathedral from the front

Visited St Petersburg in August 2013

Istanbul - Basilica Cistern

A fascinating place to visit when you are in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern. This ancient cistern was built during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian in 1532. This is the largest of all cisterns in Istanbul.

This underground chamber is about 9800 sq mts in area with 336 marble columns holding the ceiling. As one descends down the 52 steps into the entrance of the cistern one is met with an eerie red glow reflected from the columns and water which is just a few feet deep and has koi fish in it.

The Medusa column bases located at the far end are not to be missed. These are two columns supported by upside down Medusa heads.

 Another interesting column that you will not miss inside the cistern is the 'Teardrop column'. This is located in the centre of the cistern

The one hour that I spent inside the cistern was certainly a most interesting and educative one. Be sure to hire headphones with the taped running commentary to guide you through the cistern. There is a small fee to enter the cistern.
The Basilica Cistern is a close 150 metres from Hagia Sophia and equally close to the Blue Mosque.
Visited in August 2013