Robben Island

Robben Eisland was orignially so named for the Dutch word for Seal.  We had a slow start to our day but did walk to the V&A Waterfront to the Robben Island Museum entrance.  We were early so able to wander around the mall/wharf area.  Picked up some water and a coffee.  Got in the line to go through security which was very interesting.  After an inspection of bags and metal detector, we walked right back out to the wharf and across the "swinging bridge" and onto the Sea Princess, a worn and tired looking ferry.  The weather wasn't too bad, a bit hazy and smoggy.  We sat at the back of the boat, which was a mistake as the engines started to belch nasty diesel smoke while getting the craft up to speed.  Crossed Table Bay to Robben Island and boarded a bus for a short drive around with stops to point out various features of the Island prison, including the Limestone Quarry where inmates were subjected to hard labour.  

The last stop was to introduce us to Kolekile, who was imprisoned here for his political activities in the 80's.  He walked us through the various prison facilities and discussed the conditions of his incarceration including how he was turned in and the coercion applied to get a "confession".  We stopped at Nelson Mandela's 8x10 cell.  

The tour ended with a figurative "long walk to freedom" heading back to the wharf to board the Princess and return to the V&A Waterfont and then walked back to the hotel.  Later, we jumped on the very crowded shuttle heading out to the Belthazar Steak house where we enjoyed a great steak dinner and some nice wine.  Their wine list was interestingly extensive.  Came in the form of a broadsheet newspaper on a library style rack.