January 16, 2003 - page 2

The DMZ itself was remarkably nondescript. I guess that’s what happens to an area as strategic as that. It was so flat and empty, which served strategic purposes, but only added to the depressing nature of the area. It was so calm there; it was hard to imagine the violence that once pervaded. The monument erected at the actual line of demarcation seemed out of place in the field that it shared with old French revetments and two tired water buffalo. The animals only seemed to notice the concrete structure’s existence when 45 American tourists posed for a picture in front of it and interrupted the buffalos’ nap.

The Vinh Moc Tunnels were the next stop. Needless to say, I did not go through said tunnels due to recently discovered extreme aversions to small quarters, but I did see the group off and greeted them as they exited by the beach.

Our hotel here in Hue is gorgeous, very old colonial French style with a huge courtyard in the middle of all the rooms. I can’t wait for breakfast in the morning!