On boxing day we got up very early and headed to the airport, ready to fly to Ho Chi Minh City. We spent 10 days travelling around Vietnam. One of the first places we visited was the Cu Chi Tunnels.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are part of a very large network of underground tunnels. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong Soldiers during the Vietnam War. We were able to learn about the benefits of these tunnels for the Viet Cong, but also the very difficult living situation for the soldiers.
The tunnels we were able to walk or climb in had been widened for tourists. They also had lighting. I can't imagine spending my days living underground in those tunnels, let alone the tunnels in their original condition.
We were invited to walk through one of the tunnels. Clara and I went down to take a look, went a little way in and then decided that was enough for us. We turned back and came out. Ethan walked (very crouched over) for 40 metres underground.
There were displays of weaponry, including a big tank as above. There were also demonstrations of the booby-traps used by the Viet Cong, which looked pretty vicious. We also saw tunnels that were used as kitchens, and others used for medical care. There was also a shooting range where people were firing machine guns. We didn't do this. The noise really bothered Erica. I think it was the combination of learning about the war and simultaneously hearing the sounds of war.
Clara eating taro dipped in peanuts. This was a dish eaten by the Viet Cong. Clara loved it.
Washing our hands at the bamboo tap. We saw a couple of these in Vietnam.
The things David notices - David took this picture in the car park. Transit sales going well in Vietnam.
Later in the trip Ethan and I visited the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. It used to be called "The Museum of American Atrocities". It presented a very sobering look at the Vietnam War, with a heavy emphasis on American war crimes. Seeing the effects of Agent Orange was particularly disturbing.
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