Hue

My day started off a bit rocky just after 6 AM on the night train from Hanoi to Hue. During a stop, I had the chance to grab a delicious coffee at the platform. While the rain pelted against the windows, I took a seat in the dining car with the employees of the Vietnam Railways (VNR) and was served stir-fried noodles for breakfast.
To my surprise, the train, affectionately named the Reunification Express, was mostly used by locals, with an estimated two dozen tourists on board. Back in my cabin, thanks to Google Translator, I was able to break the ice with my fellow passengers. The gentleman, about 50 years old, was kind and extremely interested ('So, how old are you this year, you handsome guy?'), but his touchy demeanor and cigarette breath slightly dulled the pleasant encounter.
Upon arriving in Hue, I took a Grab to the hostel. For lunch, I tried the local specialty Bún Bò Huế, a unique type of pho that contained a piece of congealed pork blood (similar to blood sausage or black pudding) and was excellent aside from that.
The weather cleared up, and without much expectation, I traveled to the citadel, which is what gives Hue its fame and appeal to tourists. I was quite impressed by the architecture, the decorations, and the whimsical aesthetics of the landscaped gardens and royal buildings. As the rain started again, I spent the rest of the day in a lovely café overlooking the citadel, enjoying Vietnamese coffee and dessert specialties in a calm, almost melancholic atmosphere.
Back in the city, I indulged in a fantastic Bánh Mì and a handful of beers before ending the pleasantly relaxed day in my hostel bunk.