Cu Chi Hotels
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Cu Chi Tunnels
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After moving around hotel rooms because we only booked one night to start with after previous experiences, we left early for the Cu Chi Tunnels, arranged through STA travel around the corner from us.
Our guide turned out to be Mr Vin, a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with the US against the VC. He was excentric and extremely passionate about the war and the people. He was based at the same location as John Kerry (former candidate for the US presidency). He also provided us with information and graphic acounts of the war, and that the information given in Lonely Planet is "complete BullSh*t". The bus was useless and broke down several times on the way, once in the middle of a busy roundabout. We first stopped at a arts and crafts centre for people who were or have been afected by the ongoing problems with mines and biological weapons that still ravage the country today. The art work is fantastic and in some cases done with people's feet.
We arived at the tunnels and viewed a movie which described the area, tunnels, and the VC. It explained in great length life inside the tunnels and devestation caused by the Americans trying to destroy the tunnels. We then moved into the area with the tunnels, on the way seeing bomb craters, tunnel entrances, replica VC troops, bunkers, booby traps, and armouries. We then moved on to the area where we could fire weapons used during the conflict. Before the guide had finished explaining about the weapons, Weeble had bought his bullets and was heading down to the AK-47 on the range. 10 rounds later and Weeble was firing the M-16 rifle. Another 10 rounds later and there was a big grin on Weeble's face! The noise was ear piercing and Bob was also given ear muffs as she was recording Weeble shooting. Weeble then convinced Bob that she should have a go at firing. 5 rounds later on the AK-47 and Bob had a big grin across her face.
We ventured further into the jungle with our tour group and came across the final attraction - first hand experience of the tunnels. Weeble got into the tunnel but backed out due to being a panzy, Bob on the other hand managed to go through the first tunnel network and came out few minutes later. On the way back we decided to opt for the boat back as the bus had already given us enough trouble. This wasn't without hiccups though as we became snagged on reads on 2 occasions. We eventually made it back safe and sound at 4pm. Half a day trip, we don't think so. More thumbnails ...
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