Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2

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Vietnams flagPublished: March 25th 2008Asia » Vietnam » Southeast » Ho Chi Minh City » Cu Chi
March 25th 2008

Carly entering the tunnelsCarly entering the tunnels
Carly entering the tunnels

Tunnels used for guerilla combat -- approx. 9 feet under ground (see my Aunt's blog on the CuChi tunnels if you want more info on the tunnels)
Today we (the 2nd half of the Kids Building Hope crew) ventured to the Cuchi Tunnels. During the ride there, we absorbed information about the Vietnam War courtesy of our tour guide, Mr. Bin. Mr. Bin fought for Southern Vietnam during the war. (Up until today, I thought the Vietnam War was between the whole country of Vietnam vs. America for some unknown reason.) Also on the way we saw miserable conditions of the people in the rural areas. Part of us wanted to look away because it was too hard to see how lowly these people lived, but the other side wanted to look to see how lucky we are. Then after a very bumpy 2 1/2 hour bus ride we arrived at the Cuchi Tunnels. There we continued our education of the Vietnam War via Mr. Bin. He showed us examples of booby traps and sniper traps that were used during the war. It was very interesting to learn about the war from someone who lived and fought through it. Afterwards, we bid farewell to Mr. Bin at a lunch of authenic Vietnamese cusine. Then we went off to explore Ho Chi Minh City! We won't even begin to explain the craziness of the city because we wouldn't do near a justice. However, we did include a few pictures of the motorbikes which are quite abundunt here. We wrapped up the night in a public park. Playing on the playground, we couldn't understand a word of what was being said around us. Despite the language barrier, our brother and cousin managed to connect with the local kids. The boys engaged in play minus communication. Today we witnessed how America and Vietnam went from being enemies to having their children playing together on a playground.

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Tracy Hoag
Family and friends traveling back to Vietnam to dedicate a second school that was built with funds raised by Kids Building Hope. And we're hoping to have some adventure along the way... Blog contributors: Carly Zalenski (14, founder Kids Building Hope); Tracy Hoag (Carly's Aunt); "and company" Fred, Kris, Abby and Jake Zalenski (Carly's family); Will, Helen and David Hoag (Carly's cousins and Uncle)... full info
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The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Independence was declared after World War II, but the French continued to rule until 1954 when they were defeated by Communist forc...more info
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Trips
First Trip to Vietnam 2008
March 1st 2008 -» April 30th 2008
2nd Trip to Vietnam - 2010
March 1st 2010 -» April 30th 2010

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Adventure EatingAdventure Eating
Adventure Eating

Abby and Helen sharing a flaming coconut filled with beef and funky vegetables
Lunch with Mr. BinLunch with Mr. Bin
Lunch with Mr. Bin

This is our tour guide who taught us so much
Talk about togethernessTalk about togetherness
Talk about togetherness

Count... there are 6 people on this motorbike
Now that's balance...Now that's balance...
Now that's balance...

yes, that is a fridge on the back of his motorbike
Making friendsMaking friends
Making friends

Our brother and cousin became fast friends with a bunch of local kids on the playground -- no words necessary.
Let's call it a nightLet's call it a night
Let's call it a night

no crossing guard to help us through this





Comments
Date: 25th March 2008

What are you going to eat Abby???
Hello everyone! Glad you got there safe and sound. Abby, I have to admit that I am a little worried about you. I hope you packed some candy bars just in case. Your cousins say hello and are enjoying the blog every day. Hope you had a nice Easter (or did you just skip Easter with that one day delay?). Keep us posted on your activities. Love you!

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 25th March 2008


Greetings from North Carolina!! I can see that you are all having a great time, and hope to see some more of them soon.! Abby, I was just wondering how that flaming coconut was?!? I hope all is well! --Jacque

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 26th March 2008

Wow, Helen had a flaming coconut?!
Helen, we'll have to serve flaming coconuts at home more often!! The playground looked like fun, Will! I miss you guys!

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 26th March 2008


Hey Abby! Just checked out this sight and I saw your new pictures! Looks like you're having fun! Love you be safe and have fun!

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 26th March 2008

Thanks for the update
Carly and Abby, thanks for the pictures and description of your second day in Nam. Hope your trip continues be be as fun and informitive as the first days! Say hi to all! Steve

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 26th March 2008


Hey Jess! We are having an amazing time, it's so different here! It's been fun to see the differences though. Hope you're having fun in Ohio, see you soon! Love, Abby

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 26th March 2008


Hey Jac! Well, I didn't eat the flaming coconut but it looked really cool...I hope you're having fun in North Carolina. We're having a great time here. Talk to you soon! Love, Abby

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 26th March 2008


Hey Jac! Well, I didn't eat the flaming coconut but it looked really cool...I hope you're having fun in North Carolina. We're having a great time here. Talk to you soon! Love, Abby

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 26th March 2008


Hey Abby i saw your pictures!! A 2 1/2 bus ride??Gesh!!Hope your having fun! I'll keep checking the blog for more pictures!!

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2
Date: 31st March 2008

hey
hey girly-im glad u r having fun! that was cool how u drank the coconuts milk! i know that was random but when i was on vacation we got a coconut and we brought it home? lol did it taste good? Carly are you geting my comments?- i miss you come home well tell your family i said hi!! and i keep checking for more pictures and blogs mady

From Blog: Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2




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