Friday, 26Jan07

Highlights: Cu Chi tunnel tour, night market

Today’s Vietnam battle-ground tour was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had. Over 200 kilometers of tunnels were dug under ground, meandering all about this region (Ben Duoc) 75 km northwest of HCMC.

According to the tour booklet, “The tunnel network represents the undaunted will, intelligence, and pride of the Cu Chi people. It was used for living, dining and meeting. Of course it’s main function was for participating in the resistance against the enemy and for saving the country. It is also a symbol of the revolutionary heroism of the Vietnamese people…as they lived and fought during the resistance against America. The model of the strategic hamlet is the place where America and their lackeys controlled people. The restored Cu Chi Liberation Zone shows… the activities of boys and girls joining the army with zeal to fight the aggressors.”

The “America and their lackeys” language isn’t bothering me anymore. This place is amazing.

Before thinking that digging tunnels is an easy feat, the earth here was given the name “iron mud” because it was so tough to get through.