Sunday, January 9, 2011
January 7- Robbin Island
January 7
Had to get up early today because we were booked on the first tour to Robbin island. We had an old boat that was slow going. Later we learned that this was the original boat that Nelson Mandela was on as a prisoner. The ride took about 1 hour. We arrived only to take another bus ride to the rock quarry where the prisoners worked. The quarry produced much of nothing, it was basically used for hard labour and punishment. Our bus tour operator was a youngman who spoke with much passion. He gave a great history lesson on South African politics and how these political prisoners were treated. We then arrived to the actual prison where Mandela was kept. An actual exprisoner then took over and spoke about his time in the prison. He spoke with an engaging voice and I wanted to hear everything he had to say. He made jokes on occasion. He also talked about when he was very excited to see his father for a visit only to learn that he had been shot 8 times by the police. At this point he thought that his father was dead, but later learned that he was still alive. He was in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. We visited the prison cells and the prison yards where they excercised and gardened. Mandela buried his manuscripts in that very same garden. An excellent tour! The boat ride back was long again, however
the scenery again was spectacular. Our last look at Table Mountain. We arrived at waterfront, did some last minute shopping and had our last lunch at Spurs. A popular steak house in SA. We rushed back to Westbury B&B and said our goodbyes to John & Shirley Smutts. Off to the airport we went running a bit late. It will take some time to really absorb this lifetime trip with our family and the Shein family. I think we really lived the moments and will treasure this time in our lives! Thank you God Bruno
Had to get up early today because we were booked on the first tour to Robbin island. We had an old boat that was slow going. Later we learned that this was the original boat that Nelson Mandela was on as a prisoner. The ride took about 1 hour. We arrived only to take another bus ride to the rock quarry where the prisoners worked. The quarry produced much of nothing, it was basically used for hard labour and punishment. Our bus tour operator was a youngman who spoke with much passion. He gave a great history lesson on South African politics and how these political prisoners were treated. We then arrived to the actual prison where Mandela was kept. An actual exprisoner then took over and spoke about his time in the prison. He spoke with an engaging voice and I wanted to hear everything he had to say. He made jokes on occasion. He also talked about when he was very excited to see his father for a visit only to learn that he had been shot 8 times by the police. At this point he thought that his father was dead, but later learned that he was still alive. He was in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. We visited the prison cells and the prison yards where they excercised and gardened. Mandela buried his manuscripts in that very same garden. An excellent tour! The boat ride back was long again, however
the scenery again was spectacular. Our last look at Table Mountain. We arrived at waterfront, did some last minute shopping and had our last lunch at Spurs. A popular steak house in SA. We rushed back to Westbury B&B and said our goodbyes to John & Shirley Smutts. Off to the airport we went running a bit late. It will take some time to really absorb this lifetime trip with our family and the Shein family. I think we really lived the moments and will treasure this time in our lives! Thank you God Bruno
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