Going into today I was nervous about entering these tight tunnels but curious to learn more about their function and see what they looked like first hand. Feeling both nervous and excited lead for an interesting way to step into these tunnels.
The first tunnel I went into I was scared, with nothing to compare it with I just stepped in. However, by the second tunnel I was feeling a bit better until I saw what It looked like. This was the part of the tunnel that is publicized on social media because it is easily the most extreme. I knew I would regret not going in this tunnel so I worked up the courage to go inside. After that the the next few tunnels were much easier but the most interesting to me. Each of the tunnels had different rooms for different purposes, sleeping rooms, meeting rooms, well rooms, etc. This was the most eye opening part. Seeing just how real the tunnels were. It was not just a quick visit in and out like we were doing. That was their lives.
We next were able to meet the man who has been making rubber sandals for 35 years. Learning how they were designed to appear backwards was super interesting. As well as seeing the bamboo traps first hand were the most off putting part of the tour for me. Just a bit too gory. These small attention to details that were implemented during such a hard time are what have impressed me the most. Cooking in the morning during the fog, minimizing the smoke, backwards sandals, and placing a small stem or pick to show where bamboo traps were.
What I want to leave today with is with realizing how eye opening it was to learn more about the conflict America had with Vietnam not too long ago and where we are today regarding the social environment of professional life. The US and Vietnam war was only 51 years ago and when I heard that today I was impressed about our standings here in Vietnam. The two countries have long history and standing in the tunnels taught me more than I would be able to learn in a classroom. Understanding where people are from and what they’ve fought for helps you to really get to know these people were here with and may work with.
Honorable mention of the day: the art factory. It was so cool to see how just time and effort goes into making each piece than exploring the gallery afterward was amazing as well.