Viet Cong For a Day...

Tuesday, March 5. Nice out...

What a sleep!!!

We were awake around 5:15 and fumbled through the coffee maker, Fellette eventually getting two cups of some dark liquid that we consumed before breakfast at 6:15. 

I tried without success to book in on line with Cathay Pacific before I remembered we had been through this before, with the same result. It is not possible from here to Hong Kong, crossing the border.

** . ** . **

Note: VC is short for Viet Cong, the axis combatant during the American Vietnam War that went from 1964 to 1975. Before that, Vietnam had just finished with a war with France, also Vietnam was occupied by the Japanese during WWII from 1940 to1945. 

After breakfast a busload of brave or foolish souls took the two hour bus ride to 30 miles north of Saigon, yes, two hours to go 30 miles. [TRAFFIC]

The last hour was beautiful country side. This is an area that was bush during the period 1945 to 1975. The natives [VC] dug tunnels, first to hide foods and things from the French, who would tax their crops etc., then later to hide from the Americans and aid in fighting them. Again, there was much nastiness on both sides regarding booby traps and the like.

After the bombings in the north around Hanoi, this area was carpet-bombed to try and destroy the sanctuary that the tunnels gave the VC. With some success, but the war ended that.

Most of our group tried to experience the tunnel thing, some turning around after going down several steps and feeling uncomfortable, in spite of the tunnels being modified to take larger people. The Vietnamese are a tinier race.

Somehow, I had a feeling that we were gently and gracefully propagandized today. It was an awkward position for our young tour guide, whose father was a VC, to talk to us, and the US invaders, about a terrible time in their recent history. Our American friends were very attentive and understanding of the awkward situation, at least I thought so.

Back home, sorry, to the hotel, a shower, a bite to eat, a rest and then we walked to the Opera House for an Acrobatic show which was fantastic, followed by a dinner with friends we met from Denver whom we walked back to the hotel with. Saigon at night is like a fairytale city, at least this particular area

Then, shortly to bed, ready for an early rise and 'The long journey home.' [Wednesday morning 11:35, Lord Willing.]

At the tunnels, why the plane, I don't know.

Remnants of tanks as well.

Fellette and Ho Chi Minh, the hero of Vietnam.

Rules for visiting the tunnels. No one over 70 is advised to try. 

Tall people really had issues.

That is a phony rock, hiding a ventilation vent near the top.

Well dressed mannequins here and there, looking very heroic and motivated.

Cluster bomb housings.

The path in the very jungle-like area that we toured this morning.

A couple of tourists we bumped into today. We were doused in bug repellent and wore long sleeves all the time. But, we saw nor heard no bugs.

Our guide, right and a very VC looking employee in the park. 

Kind of spooky looking to me 

Down the guide goes into a small entrance on the forest floor placing the lid on as he disappears.

Disappeared completely.

Here he pops up some distance away.

The guide with Fellette. The hump behind them is a stand up room, covered in soil. You may see a vent slot.

Out comes Fellette, she is small enough to do the tunnels easily.

Rather hot and muggy in there, and darkish.

Out comes Doug, huffing and puffing from being bent over and

walking rather awkwardly.

A female anti-aircraft team.

Our hardy group at the Tunnels, minus a few who stayed behind today.