Today we took a one hour ferry ride to visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for eighteen of the twenty-seven years that he was in prison.  Before we departed we had a wonderful presentation from a gentleman who had been held prisoner with Mandela.  Life was very hard in prison, but the men were able to get an education, taking correspondence courses.  He worked doing hard labor during the day and studied at night, leaving prison with a high school diploma.

When we got to the island we were taken on a tour.  All of the guides are former prisoners.

Left to right:  Entrance to the prison, current home of one of our guides, former prisoner who now guides tours, Mandela’s cell, Mandela’s cell, detention Center, prison yard, the quarry where Mandela worked.

Below are a few more shots from Robben Island–

When we returned from the island we had a couple of hours to rest.  Shortly we leave for a funicular ride to the top of Table Mountain followed by dinner at a winery.  Will post more pictures later.