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[Sun 25 March 2007 - Cu Chi Tunnel]
Our bus from Sinh Cafe left 5 minutes ahead of schedule at 7.55am for Cu Chi - famous for its maze of tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the war against the United States.
I dozed off inevitably as we rode 2 hours northwest out of Ho Chi Minh City. "What you pay is what you get." We paid each US$4.00 for this half-day trip, and got a bus with lousy air-conditioning. A fan is even cooler. Inside me I was sweating.
We sat in a class-room style briefing area, and were shown a video of the war with the Americans. Featured in the video were young girls shooting rifles in their quest to defeat the enemies, sacrificing their lives in order to protect their countries. Cu Chi Tunnel network is cleverly planned and constructed by the guerrillas that no architects could have done.
Lesson in progress
Able to fit in?
This is how it looks - take cover
Booby trap
This is how the Vietnamese women dress during war time - scarf used as bandage, green hats for camouflage from raiding planes above, cloth wrapped over her back as blanket at night
Tanker
See-saw trap
Folding chair trap
Door trap
Rice-paper-making
The most fun part of the tour was a duck-walk through the tunnel. At some point it was pitch-dark, and I can't even see my hands! It's certainly not for those who have claustrophobia, even though the width of the tunnel has been widened to accommodate tourists.
Going down
Duck-walk through the tunnel; it's pitch-dark and I could hardly see my fingers, but my camera flash brightened it all
从见光明? Sunlight finally
We returned to Ho Chi Minh City after 2.5 hours of tour under the scorching hot sun, and made our way to Highlands Coffee at the end of Dong Khoi Street. No trip to Vietnam would be complete without tasting a cup of Vietnamese coffee. But I had a glass of Vietnamese iced black coffee instead because the weather was simply too hot!
Our directionless walk landed us at the wondrous Ciao Cafe (recommended by Lonely Planet). Despite a French cafe, I had an Italian pomodoro and caesar's salad. It is a good place to slack in. I grabbed a Newsweek magazine and idled my time away on the comfy sofa seat.
Our directionless walk landed us at the wondrous Ciao Cafe (recommended by Lonely Planet). Despite a French cafe, I had an Italian pomodoro and caesar's salad. It is a good place to slack in. I grabbed a Newsweek magazine and idled my time away on the comfy sofa seat.
I fancy the 3 drawings on the wall; it's so 'dreaming'
Tempting books at Ciao CafeWe had wanted to visit Emperor Jade Chinese Temple, but were dropped off at a Sri Mariamman Temple instead! Nevertheless, we had a thrilling ride on the 'xe om' (or motorcycle taxi), and mine was even a lady driver! I was drenched of energy to explain to her my intended destination, anyway all drivers whom we came across have no idea where Emperor Jade Temple is.
We prayed anyhow at Sri Mariamman Temple. See a portrait? Just pray at it using the joss stick we bought.
A short walk away is the Cho Can Muoi (market) where I bought a pair of sunglasses for approximately SGD4.00. Miss Saigon sculptures, vina banana chips and bermudas were into my shopping bag as well.
An evening stroll along Saigon River followed, with a nice cool breeze. Our dinner was a cruise onboard 'Tau Saigon' on the Saigon River. We were too full to order much. Just enjoying Al Fresco on the top deck. This is by far the most boring activity, even though a band played. The Saigon River is simply lifeless. Full of cargo ships.
Majestic Hotel along Saigon River
My glass of lime soda
Empty? It's full-house by the time it sets sail
Woman sailor bidding farewell to a band as the ship sails? I find it so silly like a child's play
Cute other ship
View of Ho Chi Minh City waterfront at night
Labels: First Taste of Vietnam
