10/25 Robben Island and Table Mountain

An early morning breakfast and then a ferry ride to Robben Island. A marvelous history day. Most recall the days of Nelson Mandela. He spent 27 years imprisoned, much on this island. The Islands does not have a good history going all the way back to the 1,650’s. Used as a place for “unwanted people”, prisoners, leprosy, criminals. etc. People lived as if dead. Treated like dogs.

Anyway, Nelson Mandela, imprisoned in the early 60’s , freed in the early 90’s, and elected President of South Africa in 1994. A lifetime fight for freedom. We were fortunate enough to have a tour guide who was actually Nelson’s prison guard. Shared first hand info on his life with Nelson, and also provided us with a book he wrote, “Doing Life with Mandela”, My prisoner, My Friend. Author: Christo Brand. A good read. What a tour. Also introduced us to a real prisoner, now doing tours for the prison history. Reminds me of the Holocaust on a little lesser scale. We toured the entire facility, including Nelson Mandela cell.

Then onto Table Mountain. A natural tourist attraction. Gondola Cable ride to the top, 1,076 ft high. A one hour hike, beautiful. Lunch at a very nice harbor cafe.

Dinner at a South Africa Culture Menu. ” Gold”, an award winning 14 different recipe presentations. Local African entertainment with “drum” participation by the patrons. Fun!