Foto: The Cu Chi tunnel complex (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Vietnam - The Cu Chi tunnel complex is about an hour and a half drive away. The tunnel system is a network of 250 kilometers of tunnels and served as a hideout for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Cu Chi was essentially one large underground city, with sleeping quarters, kitchens, and even operating rooms. When we arrive at Cu Chi, we first watch a film about the tunnels, showing how people lived in the complex during the war. Then we visit the museum. The guide shows us various booby traps with pits lined with sharp bamboo spikes. He also shows a narrow entrance to one of the tunnels. By keeping the entrance small, the Vietnamese could enter, but most Americans could not. We get to try the hole ourselves. Els disappears completely into the pit, and Jeannette also squeezes in. When more volunteers are asked for, I offer myself. Assuming I would only get my legs in (fun for the photo), I lower myself into the hole. To my surprise, I manage to get my hips through as well, though it is difficult. I decide that is enough and choose not to go any further down. Getting back up is harder. My hips get stuck, and slight panic takes hold (fun for the others’ photos). Fortunately, two travel companions rush to help me out. I look back on my attempt a bit sheepishly. Luckily, the photo turned out well.
Temple of Cao Dai in Tay Ninh
Vietnam - The Great Temple of Cao Dai in Tay Ninh is one of the most bizarre places of worship in the world. It resembles a religious fairy tale land. Services are held four times a day, always at six o’clock and twelve o’clock. We arrive just in time for the ...
The Ancient Citadel of Hué
Vietnam - Construction of the Citadel of Hué began in 1804 by order of Emperor Gia Long. Thousands of forced laborers were used to build the complex, which is surrounded by a ten-kilometer-long wall. The center of the Imperial City is the Forbidden Purple City, ...
The Ancient Trading Town of Hoi An
Vietnam - We decide to purchase a combination ticket for Hoi An. The ticket grants access to one museum of choice, one old merchant’s house of choice, one assembly hall, the Japanese bridge, and one handicraft shop. We start at the bridge. The Japanese Bridge ...