Climbing The Stairs

The moment one enters the city of Vũng Tàu, the back of a huge statue on a hill top is visible. You can't miss it.

The 32-metre tall Christ of Vũng Tàu is perched atop Mount Nho and overlooks the sea.

See those shoulders on the statue? From the feet of the huge statue, one could climb another 133 steps inside the statue to the shoulder to get the best seaview the city offers.

Before getting to the feet, I climbed stairs up the hill. Honestly, it wasn't a difficult climb. But add factors like currently, this is the hottest season of the year and that I climbed it mid-afternoon under the blazing sun in corporate wear and without a hat, it was a crazy act. Luckily I wore birkies. I saw locals climb it barefooted or in 2-inch heels.

No, I wasn't brave enough to climb some more up those shoulders. I'm scared of heights and am claustrophobic! Sorry ah, my faith isn't enough to carry me through that. I was content to admire the statue from afar and at its feet. Speaking of faith, I admire the Muslim friends especially so during this month of Ramadan. They carry on with work, travel and daily activities as usual through their fast. I understand the no food part- no problem, easy. But how on earth do they do without water to sustain themselves through the day? I look at them and I'm like, wow. Respect, truly.

I felt a little bad dragging the colleague along to the climb. This wasn't her religion, but she didn't mind the exercise to take a look at the city's monument. She said it was better than staying in the hotel room to vegetate. She gamely trudged along with me.

The view up there was a fantastic reward for the perspiration. It was beautiful and tranquil. Couldn't say it was scenic. Too many oil tankers and whatnots. Eeeps. But still nice lah. We sat on the bench in the pavillion mid way and just soaked in the view. A gentle breeze stirred continuously. Lovely way to pass the time.