This weekend’s activities in Vung Tau and the Cu Chi Tunnels were incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I made so many great memories and had an incredible time with everyone from Pitt and UEF. I was really interested and impressed by the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 100+ kilometer tunnel system used during the Vietnam War, and the history of Vietnam in the region. I have always loved history in addition to my main field of study, so it was a very exciting day for me.
The trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels was accompanied by an intriguing history lesson on the Viet Cong and battles fought in the region. We learned about Operation Cedar Falls, a US Army operation to decimate the Iron Triangle stronghold of the Viet Cong. The operation killed many American and Vietnamese soldiers, but the Cu Chi Tunnel systems held strong and protected many of the Viet Cong. The Viet Cong were incredibly intelligent and built multiple layers and doors to protect against gas attacks and flooding. I was most impressed by how well designed the tunnels were for war and how the Viet Cong were able to use them to stay safe. It was super exciting to then tour the region for ourselves and enter the same tunnels that were occupied by the Viet Cong during the war. Walking through the forests and exploring between the aboveground and underground was a totally unique experience that I will never forget. I am very happy with how we spent our weekend in Vietnam.
