The Royal Mail Ship docked around 0900 hours yesterday but immigration and luggage seemed to take for ever so we had less than an hour to look around the Waterfront before lunch and our 2 o'clock departure for Robben Island.
It's almost impossible to take on board the fact that it's only 16 years since Nelson Mandela was released from imprisonment on this most terrible of places. Today, however, the island is not depressing but rather described as "A Museum of Hope". The guides remember living under the apartheid system and some of them were prisoners for their political activities and beliefs. All speak of the discipline imposed by Mr Mandela and other senior prisoners. The visit was an immensely moving experience and if ever you find yourself in the southern Cape don't miss the opportunity.
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