Con Dao

We spent the day exploring Con Son, part of the Con Dao archipelago in the South China Sea. We rented mountain bikes and rode around the only road on the island - getting in a good 40km/25 miles. It was nice to get out and see the town, harbor and various sights, passing a few military bases as well. The island has a population of 6000 but 2000 are soldiers. They do basic training here and I can see why - water and remote mountains abound. 

We also visited the prisons that the French and Americans kept on these islands for criminals and political prisoners on and off since 1861 in unbelievably brutal conditions. The museum describes horrendous treatment and living conditions. My heart goes out to all the prisoners kept here, many of which also died here, whether from the conditions, disease or execution. 

This is an actual room that prisoners were housed in, shackled with no room to move.  I can't even imagine. 

Some less intense pictures from our ride are below. 

Cows on the road. Moo....

Our trusty friends today. 

The wild east coast. 

The local market in town. 

Fishing boats anchored and unused during the day. The small round boat is their version of a rowboat to access the larger boats. 

The horizon lights up with squid fisherman at night off the coast, they stay out until morning with their lights ablaze, drawing in the squid.  It isn't much to look at in the picture but in person it looks like each boat is its own tiny little stadium with a game going on in the water. Super bright from shore. 

We ended the evening with an awesome meal at a local restaurant - tons of good fish, mouth-watering spices, fresh veggies and local beer. 

Tomorrow we are going to do a good hike up and over a mountain here, with some steep sections as well as off trail sections. Can't wait!  And I hear there's a great beach/bay at the other side of the island where the hike ends up...who could ask for more?!

We are hoping the weather improves for sea conditions so we can get some snorkeling in...the military has prohibited small boats from venturing out right now due to rough seas. Crossing our fingers!