I have always heard that Cape Town was an amazing city - full of life, important history, and very culturally diverse. The six days we spent here were great, and we tried to do the full spectrum of activities. One day we went all the way down to the point and explored the Cape of Good Hope and the lighthouse on Cape Point. A truly amazing peninsula jutting south towards Antarctica and dividing the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warm Indian Ocean. The entire point is a national park and is home to several baboon colonies, ostriches, and an antelope-like animal called a springbok (which are quite tasty). They also have their own cobra, called the Cape Cobra. We saw the warning signs, but unfortunately never saw one. Sally was bummed!! Being this close to the South Pole and between two different oceans, the weather patterns change very quickly. It can go from sunny and no wind, to gale force winds and spitting rain, to sunny again in less than an hour.
Cape Town’s historical importance is most noteworthy due to Robben Island, the infamous political prison, and the effect that apartheid had on this country. The most notable of all its detainees was Nelson Mandela, who spent over twenty years jailed here in a cell so small that he couldn’t fully stretch out as he slept on the concrete floor. The most amazing thing is that when he was finally released, as the current South African government was abolishing apartheid, he did not come out screaming for justice or hatred for his captors, but rather of reconciliation, tolerance, and a desire to unite a torn country. As we all know, he went on to become the first democratically elected President in South Africa, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his endeavors.
Cape Town’s historical importance is most noteworthy due to Robben Island, the infamous political prison, and the effect that apartheid had on this country. The most notable of all its detainees was Nelson Mandela, who spent over twenty years jailed here in a cell so small that he couldn’t fully stretch out as he slept on the concrete floor. The most amazing thing is that when he was finally released, as the current South African government was abolishing apartheid, he did not come out screaming for justice or hatred for his captors, but rather of reconciliation, tolerance, and a desire to unite a torn country. As we all know, he went on to become the first democratically elected President in South Africa, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his endeavors.
We took a day trip over to the island, so we all could better appreciate what others have endured for the sake of freedom. We went over on the actual ferry that was used to transport the prisoners and had a guided tour throughout the entire complex by one of the former detainees. Even though this man spent over fifteen years imprisoned solely on political beliefs, he has decided to remain on the island and give back by sharing his suffering with others. It was a very moving experience for all of us, and I think we all better appreciate the freedom we have as Americans, and that others in the world have not always had this basic right.
The rest of our time was spent exploring other Cape Town icons, like Table Mountain and driving on Chapman’s Peak – one of the most amazing sections of road I have ever seen. We also spent time shopping in the nearby towns and local craft bazaars. Charlie was no good at bartering. If he saw something he wanted, he was happy to pay asking price, no questions asked….He has a lot to learn. The majority of our down time was spent right in front of our house, enjoying our little neighbors and this beautiful corner of the world.
The rest of our time was spent exploring other Cape Town icons, like Table Mountain and driving on Chapman’s Peak – one of the most amazing sections of road I have ever seen. We also spent time shopping in the nearby towns and local craft bazaars. Charlie was no good at bartering. If he saw something he wanted, he was happy to pay asking price, no questions asked….He has a lot to learn. The majority of our down time was spent right in front of our house, enjoying our little neighbors and this beautiful corner of the world.
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