A Trip to Robben Island

Robben Island is where the political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during the apartheid era. South Africa's current President, Robert Zuma, was also once held there. Since 1997 Robben Island has been a museum and heritage site. We had a bus ride of the island itself then a walking tour of the prison. Our tour guide of the prison was a past prisoner on Robben Island. It was good to hear from someone who was imprisoned on the island. He spoke very candidly and answered all questions we had for him. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to share in that piece of history.

On the boat heading over to Robben Island, I didn't get seasick this time ;)

A Church on the island

The prisoners worked in this rock quarry. In that small cave they would gather to talk politics and also teach other.

This stack of rocks was started by Nelson Mandela on a reunion visit back to the island. After he dropped the first rock, one by one past prisoners also dropped a rock on top of his.

A typical cell in the prison.

The ID card of each prisoner. It was interesting to find out how each prisoner received their ID number. It was based on when you arrived on the island. Nelson Mandela's number was 46664. He was the 466th prisoner in 1964.

Typical menu for the prisoners

Nelson Mandela's actual cell on the island.