The Elsa High students visited the Cu Chi Tunnels today.

The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The tunnels were the Viet Cong’s base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968, serving as hiding spots during combat and as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for soldiers.

Elsa students sat through a brief lecture of the tunnels, then toured the grounds where they saw an actual American tank from the war, entrances to the tunnels, and exhibits describing how the Vietcong made weapons.

The students also had the chance to descend into the tunnels themselves. Although these tunnels have been modified for tourists, anyone who has crawled through them can attest to how intimidating the experience is, with the extreme heat, humidity, and claustrophobic feel.

Marcus inside an entrance to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Yuval descends into the tunnels

"Which way to Hong Kong??"