This Memorial Day weekend we traveled to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam, with our Jakarta Family.
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| Me, Brian, Jen, Clare, Mike, Gaby, and Kenny |
Learning all about the history of Vietnam and the Vietnam War (called the American War to Vietnamese), it was a very surreal experience. 9 million people in Ho Chi Minh City, 5 million motorbikes. A very busy city but very nice and VERY cheap. Their currency is called 'Dong' ... imagine the millions of joke that led to over the week. "My Dong is on the table" "Stop showing me your Dong"...the jokes never got old.
Our first excursion was to the Cu Chi Tunnels. WOW! Cu Chi Tunnels were built by VietCong and housed both military and families underground. Some Vietcong and their families lived in these tunnels for 10 years dealing with disease (malaria), cobras, spiders, scorpions, and severe heat. We had our tour guide demonstrate how they would enter and exit out of the tunnels.
Some people had special breathing techniques to fit their ribcage into the holes.
They lift the lid over their head while entering into the hole.
And there he is in the hole...you can't even see where the lid is.
So then Clare gave it a try...and succeeded!
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| Brian inside the tunnel. His head is touching the ceiling. |
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| My feet jumping down into the tunnel |
Unfortunately I was under the weather for most of the trip so the next two days my excursion led me to the living room couch :( However, the rest of the gang had a great time. Excursion #2 was a full day trip down the Mekong Delta.
Excursion #3 was a day trip around Ho Chi Minh City; Notre Dame Cathedral, Palace, War Museum, Post Office, and City Center.
Regardless of feeling sick, I had a great time with the JAK Family. Everyone has such a busy schedule, I'm glad we found a weekend to enjoy Vietnam together.
So another country down ... a lot more to go!
Thailand, New Zealand, and Austrailia in our near future. Can't wait!!
Please enjoy more photos of our trip to Vietnam: