The Tunnel Experience

We went down on the FIRST TUNNEL (30 meters). We lined up in a single file and went into the hole. As we got into the hole, I just saw how dire our situatuion was. There were too may people inside the tunnel. Plus it was extremely hot, airless, dark and claustrophobic. The ceiling was so low that we had to move slowly in a squat position waggling like a duck. And because of muscular fatigue induced by the uncomfortable posture, we ended up crawling inside the pitch-black tunnel.

the entrance to the tunnel

Along the way, we encountered a pretty tricky dilemma. Whenever someone in front of us stops, I felt as if I was going to faint. I was already scared that panic attack would grip me. I was breathing heavily already (hah...hah...hah...). Even hubby felt the same way because there was no air coming down inside the tunnel. He was already shouting the people in front of us to hurry up. And when I saw a streak of light appeared ahead... it was like a heaven relief for me.

And here I am perspiring heavily...



And the funny side of our adventure - we were still able to smile and took some quick photos of ourselves. I tried taking picture of my hubby but my olympus camera wasn't working at all. sheesh!

Just a reminder, if you don't want to experience what we had experienced, don't go with big groups.

Afterwards the tour guide introduced us the SECOND TUNNEL, a bit smaller and longer than the first one. The hole was around 50 or 100 meters (I'm not sure). And I thought... "W-H-A-T?!!? Smaller than the first one? Are you sure? That is already more suited to Mahal and Mura (midget Philippine celebrities) and even Dr. Evil's Mini Me. If these were Survivor and Fear Factor challenge (reality tv shows wherein the stunts are designed to challenge the contestants both physically and mentally), and with a big prize at stake, I would probably do it." Hubby decided to go. I DID NOT.

After a few minutes of torture, hubby came out from the hole. He was drenched in his perspiration and his shirt all sopping wet and covered with red dusts. And to top it all, he had a sore leg for the rest of the day... until the next day. Too Bad. tsk... tsk...



Next we were taken downstairs to one of the meeting rooms.

And tadaaa... here I present the Commander-in-Chief! He is having a meeting with his subordinates and giving creative approach how to solve problems.

And here's the Assistant Commander-in-Chief, an enthusiastic advocate of strategic planning. Hmmm... she looks like she's sleeping. Nope, she's not! She's thinking of the major planning and operating functions for the defense workforce improvement.

Here's a photo shot with some of my Vietcong Guerilla officers. hahaha... Nope, just kidding. These are just dummies.

Then we went to National Defence Sports Shooting Range. We rested for a while there and watched the people who tried the shooting range. Available are M16, AK47 and pistols. Earmuffs are also available. A bullet will cost you a dollar.



I enjoyed the tour and I recommend you visit this place so that you will have the chance to see and experience the hard and protracted struggle of the Vietnamese people during the war.

Cu Chi Tunnels are certainly one of the most interesting things that we saw. It was an unforgettable experience that we had while in Vietnam.


Related Links:
About Ho Chi Minh City
Rex Hotel
Ben Thanh Market and Cyclo
Mekong Delta Tour Part 1
Mekong Delta Tour Part 2
Cu Chi Tunnel
War Remnants Museum
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Notre Dame Cathedral
General Post Office
Diamond Plaza Department Store
Reunification Palace
Hotel de Ville
Public Parks