Good morning from Cape Town, South Africa. When were here in 2010 we had planned to go to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years, but the weather was really bad which prevented the visit. This morning, however, mother nature cooperated and we had an early trip to the former prison (a leper colony before that.) Today was one of those “educational” days for sure. We were given a bus ride around the island which is actually quite large and the geography of the place reminded us a lot of Southern California. Sparks, a former political prisoner who still lives on the island with other former prisoners and even some of their former guards (reconciliation at its best) showed us some of the cells, including Mandela’s, and told us about the living conditions, how much food they were allowed, and how they had to work in a limestone quarry every day except Sunday. The experience was truly amazing and one neither of us will ever forget. When we returned from the hour ride to the island, we found a nice casual restaurant in the popular V & A complex (Victoria & Alfred.) Of course, some one we all know and love had to try the local beer. We then headed back to the hotel, but first stopped at the office of the agent who put our trip together to thank him and his team--and because we liked them so much, we’ve booked an all day tour outside of the city tomorrow (including wine tasting.) Now it’s time to go to the pool before it starts to rain!
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:40:52 +0000
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