Hue

So, after almost 1000km by bus, I had had enough of tight spaces with too many people. That's why there is a super functional railway system from Hanoi to Saigon. I never regretted it for a second. The train journey took the whole night, but I had a super comfortable bed in a cabin with four other backpackers and a bathroom. Plus, there were fewer curves and someone to wake me up when I had to get off. Excellent!

In the morning, I arrived in Hue well-rested and ready to go. First stop: Citadel spanning several square kilometers. Until 1945, this is where the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty resided. Unfortunately, the Citadel was almost completely destroyed in the war, so almost everything in the pictures is 'only' restoration and replica. Nevertheless, the buildings are incredibly impressive. Taking pictures at the Emperor's throne was not allowed. Pure gold!

Later, I visited two of the imperial tombs, which I found even more impressive than the Citadel. Countless decorations and offerings.

But that's not all. Tonight (24.01), or rather tomorrow at 00:00, is New Year's Eve. The whole city was dressed in red and gold, with fires lit on the streets to bid farewell to the old year and altars set up in the city to offer sacrifices to their gods. Very impressive. Thousands of people finally gathered around the Citadel for the fireworks. Happy New Year!!