Monday, February 13, 2012

Cu-Chi Tunnels

     I had learned about the tunnels in a Vietnam War class in college and had to see them since we were so close.  These tunnels were used by the Viet-Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War or as they call it the American War.  Cu-Chi was an area north of Ho Chi Minh and based on our understanding American soldiers were never really able to clear the entire area of Viet-Cong.   You can read more about the tunnels here

Can you see the hidden door?
There it is!
This was the second hole I tried to get into and I barely fit.  My shoulders would have been a tough squeeze but I imagine if I were being shot at I would have made it happen.

A tunnel rat.

This is the bomb crater from a B-52 strike.  There were a good number of these on the site.
     It was very interesting learning about the tunnels.  In some places they're dug three levels deep.  They would have dorm rooms, kitchens, medical clinics, meeting rooms etc.  We saw a kitchen with a exhaust tunnel that was about 50 yards away from the actual room.  The guide said they'd usually only cook in the morning when there was still fog on the ground to disguise the smoke. 

    There are over 75 miles of tunnel in Cu-Chi network alone.  The tunnels were tug by teams of four, working at night.  Two pairs would dig holes down a specified depth depending on the level they were digging that night.  Starting about 30 feet from one another they'd then connect the holes.  The dirt that was removed from one hole would be dumped in the empty hole from the previous nights dig so that only the tunnel would remain.  Also, in case you ever need to do this remember that the holes you dig to go down should be square shape not round so that when you start digging the tunnel you know which direction you are headed.  When you dig the tunnel it should have a point at the top to keep if from caving in as well.  If you need anymore help email me and I'll send you some blueprints.

    Bri's enjoyed reading and watching youtube videos about the American soldiers called tunnel rats upon our return.  It was their job to clear tunnels when American troops found them.  They were some brave/crazy men.  I guess there is a thin line between those two things.  I crawled through about a 30-40 meter stretch.  It was part of a 100 meter stretch that had been widened for foreigners to travel through.  It zig-zagged for the safety of the men in the tunnel and it was not a fun place to be if you were claustrophobic.  I didn't try it but I'm not sure I would have been able to turn around...I may have had to back out if needed.  It was quite an experience.

    We also went to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh.  Mostly there was a lot photographs and it painted a very poor perspective of the US involvement in the war.  Bri was a little surprised at how harsh it was towards the American based on the little she'd learned about it in school and on the way the Vietnamese treated us while we were in the country as tourists.  The museum was a fine place to visit and it was interesting to see that perspective but it definitely felt one sided.  The Cu-Chi tunnels felt much more authentic and we'll never forget it.

Matt

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