This was my second experience on a foreign train after Bangkok - Aranyaprathet. When i boarded to the train, i saw most of the locals sitting in a group relaxing. Perhaps most of them travel in group with family or friends. As soon as the train started to run, i saw a family taking out their stuff from plastic bag, from drinks, to Bread, Cheese, Ham, and fruit. They were really well prepared for the long ride!
The train officer sell food and drinks on board with slightly higher price, but was acceptable. Things that amazed me is that no matter what they eat, the waste will directly throw from the window to outside. Well, i don't practice this so i kept the rubbish and passed it to the officer, but what happen is that they receive the rubbish from my hand and throw them directly through the window. Immediately i was stunt. Well, since I'm in their territory, so i think should follow their culture so i got used to it very soon. *Its a bad habit!
A lovely women slept on her husband's lap after many hours spent in the train. They must gone through many things in their life together, Happy, Sorrow, Tears, and laughter. Im envious at them, wonder if i can be like them one day, holding my partner's hand, walk around the beach every evening, with my kids running around us, share the joyful moment everyday. Throughout the journey, i met some friendly Vietnamese offer me fruits along the journey, and i also met a Vietnamese who speak Malay to me and letting me know when i arrived at my destination.
Stepping down from the train station after 20hours on wooden hard seat is really killing me. Finally i arrived in Huế, the historical city of Vietnam. At 3AM in the morning, I quickly flash out my iPad and figure out the way to my hotel. It wasn't far from the Train station to the place i heading to, approximately 20minutes by walk. Along the way there were many motorcyclists offered me riding services but i rejected them all. Soon later, i arrived in the hotel, "Than Thien Hotel" (Friendly Hotel). The receptionist was sleeping, but notice my arrival soon after i rang the door bell, he greeted me with singlet and short pants, and said he was waiting for my arrival, thats pretty awesome hospitality!
I booked a superior room via Agoda but they upgraded the room to deluxe room due to the unavailability of superior room. The room is super clean and look modern, its simply elegant. They even have wooden floor! For $10/Night, i have nothing to complaint about!
The next day, i was lucky enough to be in Huế on 2nd of September, which is their National Day. I met my CouchSurfing friend -Amy Nguyen in my hotel and she brought me to the Imperial Citadel just across the Truong Thien Bridge. Admission was free because it's Vietnam National Day. The spectacular Citadel was surrounded by local crowds from around Vietnam.
Walking around this place gave me a feeling like time-walking to 80's and 90's, as u can see from their outfit, it gave me sort of retro feeling. Everyone is in group with big smile on their face and non-stop talking. *Vietnamese people speak really fast.
Huế Imperial Citadel has more than 200Years of history when Nguyễn Phúc Ánh took control over Vietnam and proclaimed himself as Emperor Gia Long. He chosen Huế as central headquarter to built this Palace. More than thousands of workers involve in the building of this Citadel.
The best delicacy in Vietnam require you to be down-to-earth and squat down to wait them to serve you. Guarantee tip top satisfaction for your tummy. Spring rolls with fresh vegetables and meat are typical Vietnam street food.
I have no idea why they put flower on the lock. I found this place on my way to visit some of the Emperor Tomb, the place is locked up, and flowers attached with the lock were shriveled. My local friend told me they put the flower with purpose, but even her don't know the exact reason why.
Vietnam flag flying as the people celebrating National Day. It is one of the emperor Tomb in Huế.
Personal Experiences in Huế.
1. Expenses can be relatively cheap here, with $10 you can get a pretty comfy hotel room!
2. Vietnam Local cuisine, you have to be down-to-earth in order to get delicious and affordable Meal!
3. Bargain, even a bottle of mineral water from local grocery store.
4. Local tend to say hi when you pass by. In their language, Hi refer to "Hey, you are foreigner, i want to earn some money from u". *Not all but majority i'd say.
5. Friendly local friend be my tour guide, showing me around and have fun time in their unique local coffee shop.
In sum, Positive experiences beyond negative, definitely will come back again.
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