Many documents described Con Dao Island as “a bear with its back to the mainland and its legs have been advancing straight to the East Sea”. However, I am more convinced by the comment of a captain who has been operating at sea for half a century that Con Dao island appears like a “ tiger seeking up to the sun”.
We have produced a trip to Con Dao by ship. Right after a evening cruising on the sea we reached the island at 6 a.m at a small harbor with dozens of trawlers when the sea was so calm and so blue. We were told later that it is only a narrow location with still water just sufficient for a handful of trawlers to anchor or in maintaining with the smile, the place exactly where we just set foot on is the stand exactly where “ the tiger “ sits, hunting at the sea.
We followed the zigzagged road from the Dam Wharf to the centre of Con Dao District although admiring the picturesque beauty of the sea, as if embracing the mountains. Seeking from above, one could see the sea as a white line separating the Blue Mountains and the vast blue sea glistering below the sunshine.
The road passes Hon Trac Lon Cape to reach Con Son Gulf exactly where Con Dao District Town lies. We have been all amazed to see massive trees and vast carpets of colorful wild flowers attempting to show their beauty below the sun.
Con Dao district Town lies in a valley, half way in between Co Ong Airport and Ben Dam harbor. The District Town has its personal college, hospital and a waterfront park apart from the administrative offices, a border post, hotels and restaurants.
Con Dao Island is surrounded by 16 smaller islets, all with different interesting names and of distinct sizes and shapes. The only point they have in frequent is a diversified coral reef technique contributing to the exceptional blue of the seawater in the area.
Details reveal that the lighthouse on the “ Bay Canh “ or “ 7-sided Island” is an independent one particular which is effective up to 35 nautical miles during the day almost 27 nautical miles at evening, to help ships operating in the Ba Ria – Vung Tau sea region to recognize their place and steer clear of dangers. At the place, there is still a plate with info confirming that the lighthouse war constructed in 1883 in colonial instances and was equipped with a solar power device to guarantee power for the light system so the employees in charge can continue caring for “ the eye of the sea “.
Huong, one particular of the three young guys operating in the Bay Canh Lighthouse told us that they would be switched to yet another lighthouse as soon as each three years. Their accommodation is decent and above all they have a tiny garden with numerous types of spices, hot chill and limes and other fruit trees. Nonetheless, they depend tremendously on food supplies from the mainland as soon as a week and they occasionally could even send fresh fish back to pals on the mainland. They have also access to Tv, radio and mobile solutions.
We left the lighthouse following becoming treated to a good meal prepared by the three young men who have devoted their youthfulness to take care of the “sea eyes “for the safety of other individuals.
Leaving the lighthouse we followed a quiet road to Hang Duong Cemetery to pay our respects to the martyr Vo Thi Sau and these who had laid down their lives on the island for the lead to of national salvation for the duration of the two had resistance wars against foreign invaders. Regional traditions say that the best time, what you prayed for would be realized. No wonder flower shop had been still open quite late to offer flowers, incense and other offerings to the pilgrims.
Standing at the grave of Vo Thi Sau, a strange feeling ran via my physique although the familiar song entitled “ The Season of the Lekima Blossom “, in praise of the young girl whose courage had frightened the enemy, was echoing in my heard.
