Crossing Into Cambodia

10/24/2006

Today was a huge travel day. We left early in the morning for a drive to the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. However, along the way we stopped at a place called the Cu Chu Tunnels, which was a large underground network of tunnels built by the Vietnamese during theVietnam War to avoid the American bombs and defend against the American troops. The tunnels were incredibly small with a cross-section of about 60 cm by 80 cm. We were able to go through one of the tunnels, which had been enlarged for our larger American bodies. The air was so stale. I can't imagine how they lived in such conditions. The picture above is of a hidden entry to the tunnels. The Vietnamese soldier would defend himself until he had to hide at which point he dropped into the tunnel and concealed himself. We also saw B-52 bomb holes, lots of brutal booby-traps (see below), tanks, a firing range, and more. The picture below shows a trap used to catch soldiers jumping out of helicopters. The platform rotates when stepped on causing the person to fall into sharp bamboo spears. Ouch.

After the Cu Chu Tunnels, we went to the border. It took a while to leave Vietnam and get visas for Cambodia, and then we had a 4 hour drive to our guest house in Phnom Penh, which was a very bumpy ride. Cambodia is a very flat country with a brilliant green color that is reminiscent of Laos. It's almost their winter here, and it's extremely hot. I can't imagine what the summer is like.
In Phnom Penh we settled in at our guest house and then grabbed some dinner. We didn't really have time to do much since we are leaving for Takeo tomorrow, but we will be back in Phnom Penh in a few days to explore. One thing about Phnom Penh is that the prices here approach those found in America, which is a bit annoying. At least the quality of food and service seems very good.