Couldn't Wipe the Smile off His Face
Trip Start
Oct 22, 2005
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39
224
Trip End
Ongoing
Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam
Saturday, December 17, 2005
At the Cu Chi Tunnels we saw the traps used by the local VC to ensnare US troops. They had dug miles and miles of underground tunnels, including a kitchen that dispersed the smoke far away from the tunnel area. It was designed so the smoke could not be seen from the air. Inside the tunnels were very cramped and confined. They were designed to be easily defended and such had ambush areas and sections where they narrowed down so a solider with gear could not pass through. Meg bailed after the first 100 meter section but Rick pushed on for the 300 meter length
01 - Ouch!
. When he came out he was covered in dirt and had had a few tight squeezes inside.After the tunnels we then proceeded to the National Firing Range, part of the Cu Chi Tunnels area. With Rick's birthday money in hand (thank you to Mum and Dad, Jeff and Megan, Nanny, Jim and Robyn) he bought 20 rounds at $1 USD per bullet and selected the Russian made AK-47. Firing 5 rounds on semi automatic, the other 5 rounds on fully automatic was an interesting experience. The AK-47 was a heavy weapon. With 10 rounds to go he switched to the American M-16 and again fired 5 rounds semi and 5 rounds on fully automatic. The M-16 felt very plastic and we understand even had its butt made by the toy manufacturer Mattel. The guns were so loud. People were firing other AK-47s, M-16s and Colt revolvers at the same time. There didn't seem to be many safety precautions, as people were wandering around everywhere. This was extremely different to when Rick fired the defence forces rifle at the Australian Army's Executive Stretch program. Safety was paramount then. With time to spare and an itchy trigger finger Rick went back to the desk, purchased another 10 rounds and headed for the huge M-60 machine gun. Initially letting off 2 rounds on semi-automatic then the other on fully automatic, this beasty had one hell of a kick. The guy loading the gun even held Rick's shoulder against the butt as he fired, it kicked so much. Afterwards Rick could hardly hear in his right ear. The ringing went away after a couple of hours, but his grin lasted for the rest of the day.
After the tour we grabbed a bite to eat and Megs got a hair cut. Rick also decided to have a shave as one and a half months growth was getting a bit annoying. We then hung around the backpacker part of town and kicked back.
