Robben Island

We got on a ferry to go to Robben Island that housed the political prisoners of the apartheid era including Nelson Mandela. The guides who toured us around the prison were themselves political prisoners during apartheid so they spoke of their heartfelt personal experiences and one could not help but notice what a challenge that must be. The forgiveness and reconciliation that had to happen to end such a cruel era in very recent history on the part of the guides was touching and amazing.

Nelson Mandela and many others were held prisoner for opposing apartheid. Mandela spent twenty seven years in this cell before being released in 1990. In 1994 he became president of South Africa, the first black president of that country.

Cape Town, July 20th - 26th

We spent a week in Cape Town, which is on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This city thrives on tourism. It felt much safer to me and although crimes rates are high you can still walk around at night and feel relatively safe. There are many fine restaurants and craft markets at the waterfront and many touristy things to do. We explored fabulous hikes and beaches as well. Table Mountain is seen in the background of this photo.

We were able to see some street music from many different cultures. South Africans celebrate diversity and one of the neat things about Cape Town were there are so many cultural groups living together.