Picked up at 8-30am by our guide for
the day “Thai” we head out 1 hour north east of Saigon (the
locals in the south still call it Saigon) to the Viet Cong strong hold of Cu Chi
tunnels. We have all heard about the tunnels from the Vietnam war so
it will be interesting to learn some insights. As we went down the
country roads passing rubber plantations, villages and schools, Thai
outlined the basics of the tunnels.
Once through the entrance first stop is
the secret entrance test ie. can you fit! And this has been enlarged
to allow Westerners access. The tunnels started out at one level
about 3m below the surface, but as the war continued a send and third
layer were added to avoid the ever increasing bombing raids, gas
attacks and “tunnel rats” (allied forces from Philippines who
could readily fit down the tunnels.
Resourcefulness is the word the comes
to mind. The VC had essentially nothing and used every scrap of
resource to build traps, make shoes (from tyres), and avoid the
American troops. Smoke from fires had to be disguised, scents
modified by spices to ward off dogs, and removal of waste every day
from down the tunnels.
We opted for the 60m tunnel crawl, a
challenge even with lights and a small bag. Amazing to think how the
VC run through these tunnels in pitch black with weapons popping up
and surprizing the American troops.
Overall impressions, a real game of cat
and mouse with deadly consequences for all concerned.
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