Day 5 South Africa - Cape Town Robben Island and V & A Waterfront

Up at 7, gone by 8. We headed out by taxi today towards the V & A Waterfront (Victoria and Albert) to the Robben Island ticket office. We found out yesterday, that all tickets were sold out until the end of August, but we were advised to stand in a cancellation line. Forty-five minutes of waiting in line paid off!

The process of getting us loaded on the ferry to Robben Island wasn’t all that smooth and efficient, but eventually we began the 45 minute trip across the ocean. I sat on the very top deck for the view (naturally!) but it was so breezy and cool, I had to put both my hoody and windbreaker on. I’m not as tough as I thought!

When we arrived there, we were loaded onto buses and toured around the facility. The island was much bigger than I thought and there were lots of staff and administrative buildings. Robben Island had also been used as a leper colony and we passed by the graveyard of many who died there.

After viewing the grounds with the bus, we were delivered to a former political prisoner for a tour through some of the penitentiary’s cells.

Each cell had a photo and the name of the prisoner who resided there, and some had a recording of the voice of that prisoner telling his story.

The cells were stark and dreary. But more remarkable were the stories of how the prisoners were treated, the work at the stone quarries, the censorship of letters and visitors, the isolation, and the incredible racial discrimination and apartheid policies.

The government hid what was going on from not only the world, but South Africans as well. Many of the prisoners were very well educated and the strong supported the weak. They had a saying, “Each one teach one” and somehow they communicated with each other.

Our guide showed us a pile of stones started by the most famous prisoner of all, Nelson Mandela, which grew to a large pile as other prisoners each placed one stone atop the pile.

We saw his cell of course. The walls of the entryway at the pier are filled with photos and quotes from Mr. Mandela as well as many others. The respect and love shown to him by his people and others around the world was very moving.

The tour lasted about 2 hours, then it was time to head back on the ferry to the mainland.

Our little group of 5 stopped at a bakery /restaurant for a bite to eat and a nice visit, then we went our separate ways. Donna and I explored the Waterfront. My favorite spot was the Red Shed Craft Workshop, a cooperative of people with wonderful African crafts. Some of the proceeds went to various charities and many of the items were made by women with HIV, or disabled people. I found a bead shop with hand-made beads there and I was in heaven!

The V & A Waterfront is a picturesque area and the fabulous sculptures and art were fun to look at, even if we didn’t buy.

When we were exhausted, we hopped in a taxi and grabbed a quick bite at a small restaurant across the street from the hotel. I need a good night’s sleep!