The Cu Chi Tunnels
We visited the Cu Chi tunnels today. We have been looking forward to this ever since reading the itinerary. However, we didn’t realize what a deep impression it would leave on us.
When arriving at the location, we were lead to an area in the edge of the forest and asked to find a hidden tunnel entrance. The floor of the forest was covered with dry brown leaves which made it difficult to spot. When we did find it, many of us tried to enter the tunnel and it was really fun to watch as the tunnel entrance was so small, even though it had been widened.
Later, we went inside the tunnels and tried to travel through them for around one hundred meters. For some of us the experience was harrowing, and had to get out half way. But some brave students went the entire way and earned Mr. Glover’s approval.
Visiting the tunnels has given us an alternative perspective of the Vietnam War. It has revealed the ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during war times. They were very resourceful and adept at using their natural environment to aid them in fighting against the Americans and protecting their land.
They were fighting against a more technologically advanced enemy but still managed to cause enough damage to make the Americans afraid of them. From traps and mines to wearing shoes backwards to confuse the American soldiers, the Vietnamese people had to go to extreme lengths to survive.
This trip to the tunnels was very insightful and was one of the most educational experiences of our lives.
Deeksha Chandraprathaban and Melina Knoblich
6:42 pm
02/06/10
War Veterans’ Creations
After last night’s non-Vietnamese dinner, we woke up to a super-sunny morning in Ho Chi Minh with our stomachs still full (especially Sathya). What a wonderful morning it was! Our bodies were still aching from hard work in Kien Giang, however we were all feeling good despite the pain, because it was a proof of our hard work and, in addition, tomorrow we would be on the flight back to Singapore! (Home sweet home)
After a half-Vietnamese-half-western breakfast, we began our last journey. Firstly we went to a factory with handicapped workers. They basically produce all sorts of things, from pictures to statues. Most of them were decorated using egg and abalone shells and I was amazed twice – by the talent of the workers and by the beauty of the products. They were fantastic! Most of us bought some of the products not only because they were wonderful pieces of work but also because the money would be used to help the handicapped community. One of us even spent about 80 dollars! (I won’t mention names) After the short sightseeing around the factory, we went for lunch in a riverside restaurant called ‘Ben Nay Restaurant’. The food was delicious as usual and we all enjoyed it.
Eui Jae Hong and Tae Min Kim
1:16 pm
02/06/10
