May 24

 GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!!

 Today started a bit slower, which was a nice change of pace. After our final continental breakfast at the hotel, we hit the road around 8:30 am. About an hour and a half later we arrived at the rubber tree plantation. Tony, our guide, walked us through the life cycle of the rubber tree’s major role in the Vietnam industry. Before rubber trees are planted, farmers prepare the soil with fertilizer, N, P, K and urea. The tree takes about 5-7 years to mature before they can be tapped for sap. The sap is a milky substance that can be turned into latex used in rubber. Harvest season runs from June to December. Vietnam is one of the largest rubber producers globally, exporting 1 to 3 billion dollars’ worth per year. China, Japan and South Korea are the largest importers from Vietnam as well. The trees continue to produce for about 40 years and then they are cut down to be repurposed for particle board or plywood. Rubber farmers can retire early because of the benefits the government provides for their work. Making rubber produces fumes that over time can be toxic to overall health.

After the Rubber plantation, we drove another 45 minutes to Cu Chi to explore the Cu Chi tunnels. We were greeted with raining fruit from a fruit tree; one even landed on Emma’s head! Before the Vietnam War, Cu Chi was known as the city of gardens and a very peaceful place. The city itself is relatively small being only 150 kilometers, about 93 square miles. During the war, the US bombed Cu Chi driving the villagers to protect their city. While the villagers were unable to live above ground, they created 3 level tunnel systems where they lived. The villagers of Cu Chi were common working people like farmers. Women and children were also involved. The first stop at the tunnel tour was a movie learning about how they lived in the tunnels. We then took a walk through the jungle above the tunnel systems. Students were able to climb into a tunnel entrance. The space itself was very tight and disguised from above ground. We were shown numerous types of booby traps and how they worked to capture their enemies. The traps themselves ranged from sharp stakes sharpened from bamboo, venomous snakes and scorpions. Students had the opportunity to shoot several American guns used during this war, being AK-47, M-16 and carbine rifles. We were able to climb 15 meters, or 50 feet, through a section of the tunnels. For tour purposes the tunnels were widened, otherwise many of us would not have been able to fit through. We still had to crawl or crouch down to fit. These tunnels are not for claustrophobic people.

Walking back to the bus, we had our first downpour where most of us got soaked, but it felt good after a very hot and humid morning. We loaded the bus and headed to lunch. Our guide Tony picked our lunch spot in a beautiful location on the river. We ate under little gazebo huts on the water and were served fish, chicken, rice, veggies and bananas. After lunch we headed back to Ho Chi Minh City where we had free time the rest of the night. Some students took a nap, went to the Ben Than Market, shopped around and enjoyed the roof top bar and pool. We were all able to choose our own spots for dinner. The rest of the night will be spent trying to fit all of our souvenirs into our suitcases and preparing for a 30 plus hour travel day. Students are looking forward to ending the travel day with some American food!

Tam Biet!

Tyla S, Sophie K, Isabelle M