We visited the tunnels and saw first hand how this war worked. With traps in the fields and tunnels underground its a marvel of ingenuity and a horrible site all at the same time. We saw how the Viet Cong hid underground and how they created traps. How they hid under mounds that they covered in peppercorns and American shampoo taken from POWs because it threw off the dogs sent to sniff them out. It was a lot to take in and we were the only Americans on the tour. Over the course of our visit, the Brits--the other 20 adults on the tour--wanted to talk to us about the US involvement, some longingly and some with great pride that Britain (officially) declined. What do we know? The fact that the South of Vietnam asked for help to oppose Communism was never stated. What business we had there is an age old debate. I was born in 1970. This was during the war.
Tapioca was used for sustainance in the forest. It is poisonous if eaten raw. It must be debarked, soaked and cooked and then the inside is safe. It is served like okra and tastes like potato. It is served with smashed peanuts and some clove to dip it in making a dry crumb coating. It was used during war time. Babies were born in these underground bunkers. We went in them, and K had to crawl to get through. War is awful. The world will never learn.
A gun range where you can shoot AKAs (yes machine guns) is in the 'park'. The sound of gun fire is awful. S and I covered our ears.
The talk on the bus after quickly turned to other conflicts and super powers and how it never really changes.
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