After Katie's T-ball event we had some free time to do some sight seeing. We went to see the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped achieve ultimate military success.
The traps that the Viet Cong created and set for the Americans were shocking.
The tunnels were so narrow, but have enlarged by 50% since the war. I can't fathom how claustrophobic it must have felt down there!
This is where we went for the introduction to our tour. We watched a propaganda video about the evil and devilish Americans, which were made to look like they were fighting a war against women and children. It was interesting to hear them call it the "American War".
A map of part of the tunnel system and how to find the water source.
Above is what appears to be a termite hill, when actually it was made to be ventilation for the tunnels and just looks like a termite hill.
The trenches
These sandles were worn by the guerillas and are made from tires. They were made to be worn in a way that made their footprints look as if they were going in the opposite direction, to throw the enemy off their path.
This was Aaron's first time shooting an automatic weapon. I believe it was an AK-47 and an M-16. Ryan wasn't allowed to shoot, but wanted to pretend!
