After arriving in Cape Town on wednesday afternoon I picked up the hire car and hook the freeway into town.Cranking The Boss on the stereo was a good soundtrack to the roadtrip that was about to commence.Immediately the sight of Table Mountain dominates the landscape as the city builds up around its base, really looking forward to climing up it later today.I dropped my bags off at the hostel and took a stroll down to the Victorian and Albert Waterfront, its a nice bay,very touristy but decent enough.After an overcast Jo'burg it was good to get some sun in.

Victorian and Albert waterfront w/Table Mountain in the background.

South African Boom Crew

From there just strolled around taking it in.I'd arranged to meet up with a guy called Michael with whom I have a mutual friend.So after some food I met the guys in Tequila Town and proceeded to get pretty trashed.Standard.

Getting up early the next morning I headed back down to the waterfront to get a boat across to Robben Island, famous for playing host to many political prisoners and hardened criminals over the years, it's most famous 'guest' being Nelson Mandela.

Newspaper cut-out dated 24/5/59

Definately a worthwhile visit, hearing the history behind the island (it was also a former leper colony between 1840-1932) and hearing stories from guards and previous prisoners alike.When prisoners were first sent to the island they were sent to work in the blue slate quarry, which they named 'The quarry of Blood,Sweat and Tears', to build the prison themselves.Later on, and as the prison buildings got built they got sent to the limestone quarry in order to build the roads on the island.No-one of course was exempt from this,Mandela included, and they worked here for 9hrs a day, and in the process picking up respiratory illnesses and damages to cataracts from the glare of the sun off the rock.

Another famous former prisoner was Robert Sobukwe, the leader of the PAC (Pan African Congress) who spent 6 years in isolation here before being moved to another institution further north in the country where he died, still a prisoner.

Prisoners were allowed 2 visits a year from family and while Robert Sobukwe was given a privilege that his 4 children could stay on the island they were kept away in a separate building,given similar facilities to that of their father.

The beds Robert Sobukwe's children slept in on the island

    The rest of the prison showed similar conditions with prisoners given the bare minimum in cramped quarters. 

Nelson Mandela's cell as it was when he arrived on the island in the winter of 1964.

   Its interesting to note that other future presidents of the country spent time in the prison, including current president Jacob Zuma who was there for 10 years.

  Currently, people live and work on the island with the purpose of showing and teaching further generations the stories and impacts of the island and its prison.

The view from Robben Island to Cape Town and Table Mountain.

    Its definately worth finding out more about the island and its South African part in South African and world history.

    So after having a pretty full on morning seeing and hearing all this I just walked into town to see another side of the city.I guess Long St and its surrounding area is the most 'happening' part with enough bars and boutiques to cater for all. So I just strolled through it heading for Kula Records and some coffee.Seriously well stocked store of second-hand vinyl!

Kula Records, Cape Town

       If I had more time i could go seriously deep in here, but would be probably spend all the money I'd be needing for the rest of my trip.

Street Art, Long St.

    With a few hours of sun left I took the car down the coast a bit to Clifton Beach, on the recommendation of Brendon of Beads Cafe, to get some good sea air and read.So please forgive the standard beach/sunset shots.

Clifton Beach.

 

     This day was soundtracked by Otis Redding, Justin Vernon, The Gaslight Anthem and Tom Waits, and was helped along with strong coffee and cheap wine.