We have been active over these last few days and managed a gondola ride to the top of Table Mountain which dominates the landscape here.
In the left centre, you may be able to make out Robben Island which has been used for several centuries for various purposes: leper colony, asylum and, most famously, as a prison. It was here that Mandela was incarcerated for 18 or so of his 27 years in prison. We visited it yesterday- about a 45 minute boat ride over choppy seas as quite windy that day. It was a bit tough to photograph his former cell, which, as you look at it from the hall has small window on the right and door on the left. The pic below shot through the window shows small bench and waste bucket.
And below is shot through the door showing same bench and bed roll (i.e. no actual bed).
Today we just stuck to the local Bo-Kaap neighbourhood which is quite colourful with its Cape Malay heritage. Malay people originally brought in by Dutch settlers to work as slaves as required on local farms, etc. apparently. Their foods are quite unique to the area as we found out in a walking tour and cooking class that we took today in a home just up the street. Nice also to connect with fellow travellers at the class: large multi generation family from Montana, British and German couples. Ian (one of the Americans) was encouraging with his experience with car hire. He’s only had a couple of harmless screw ups driving on the left. Wish me luck as we will leave soon to pick up our car!
Finally, I can report that our security situation has improved. While still quite vigilant, we now use Uber to go anywhere. Quite efficient and cheap.
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