Today, we got up early to drive out to Cu Chi to take a tour of SABECO which manufacturers Saigon beer as well as 333 beer. It was cool to see the production and how modern some of their facilities are. It was kind of hot at times and I wasn’t really feeling well, so it wasn’t the most exciting experience for me.
After that, we went to one of the locations that Project Vietnam does work. We went to a center for severally disabled children. It was a sobering experience to say the least. We saw children who more highly functioning, but even they had some pretty severe issues. I loved getting to sit there and play with the kids for a few minutes. Seeing it really drove in the importance of Project Vietnam’s mission.
Then, we stopped at a road side vendor to grab some food before heading on the see the Cu Chi Tunnels. At the tunnels, I was again struck by how different the Vietnamese perspective on the war was from the perspective that I was taught growing up. The video they saw before we went in to the tunnels definitely portrayed the Americans as merciless villains, and it even called American soldiers devils at one point. Going into the tunnels was cool, and I was surprised that I wasn’t completely uncomfortable. I was even able to squeeze into the small entrance to the tunnel! I still can’t imagine living and fighting in there. I also can’t imagine how complex it must have been to make all of the tunnels.
After that, I packed and got ready for our last meal in Vietnam. Thanks to Ms. Pham for putting together and treating us all to a great meal! I’m sad that or time in Vietnam is over so quickly, but we’re off to other cool places!