Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
One of the stipulations of me being allowed to have the time off from work was that I took in some of the local culture and learnt about South Africa's history. After my Ibiza holidays and drunken performances at our Team Builds I'm not sure where my boss got the impression I was uncultured... Pah!
The Robben Island Tour was meant to be one of the top attractions (and I have tried to memorise it word for word to astound them back in the office with my knowledge....ha). So I booked my ticket and set off to the meeting point at the Waterfront. When I found it I waited in the queue, and oh s*** it's a ferry, forgot about that, I get seasick....hmmm, better sit on the top deck to get a breeze then. Even sitting on it stationary makes me feel queasy, bleurgh. I managed to keep the sickness at bay but unfortunately being exposed to the elements meant I was a bit sunburnt and had also been pooped on by a seagull along with a few others. THERE WILL NEVER BE A BIRD POO FREE DAY WHILE I'M HERE!!! I did see two dolphins though, every cloud... I'm also a bit superstitious and the fact that Tragedy by Steps was playing as we arrived on the Sea Princess didn't exactly put me at ease.
Anyway, weird journey aside, the tour was...amazing. It started off with a bus tour of the island, the woman talked about the quarry where they would share knowledge with each other ("Each one, teach one"), the lepers cemetary, the various prison building and solitary units. What was a bit confusing was that the woman would talk in clicks, I want to talk in clicks! Apparently back in the apartheid days if there was more than 6 of you in a house it was classed as an illegal gathering and the offenders were arrested - what if they were just having a house party?!
The second part of the tour was on foot through the maximum security prison and we were shown round by a former prisoner. He took us through sections A-F, finally ending up at prisoner number 466-64; Nelson Mandela's cell. I touched it, totally touched the cell - am I cultured now boss? In all seriousness it was fascinating to see.
At the end of the tour, our former prisoner guide told his story and everyone applauded and he did a few little bows. He then showed us out the prison towards the harbour where the devil boat was waiting to take us back to Cape Town. As everyone passed him they shook his hand and thanked him, I was feeling so sorry for him and proud of him at the same time I almost hugged him! Get a grip, Voller.
Anyway, time for bed. Click, click, click (that probably mean's goodnight...)
M xxx
- comments
Jilly Click click clickety click (another great read Maria) :) x
Tam Richard and I literally just LOL'd! Glad you had a good day x