Carly and Abby's Perspective -- Day 2

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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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Photos

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)

Adventure Eating
Abby and Helen sharing a flaming coconut filled with beef and funky vegetables

Lunch with Mr. Bin
This is our tour guide who taught us so much

Talk about togetherness
Count... there are 6 people on this motorbike

Now that's balance...
yes, that is a fridge on the back of his motorbike

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 night
no crossing guard to help us through this

Comments

[Aunt Kellie]

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!

[Jacque]

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

[David (dad)]

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!

[Jess]

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!

[Steve Gregory]

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

[KidsBuildingHope]

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

[KidsBuildingHope]

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

[KidsBuildingHope]

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

[Kalyn]

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!!

[Mady]

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