Anseth Family Adventures: Stop complaining about the heat

On Dec. 30, Kari, Katie, Sophie, Ashley and I departed on the ferry to Robben Island at 7:30.

This is the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years.

It was surprising how desolate this island was considering it was 12 miles from Cape Town.

After the ferry ride out, you are given a bus tour of the island.

Robben island was a leprosy colony in 1700. Eventually it was turned into A prison and then a maximum security prison for political prisoners.

Church built during when it was a leprosy colony

On Robben Island during the day the political prisoners were forced to do hard labor in the lime quarry 8 hours a day. The intensity of the sun and the reflection from the light rock damaged the eyes of many prisoners, including Mandela. The prisoners would literally chop limestone haul it to on side of the quarry and the next day haul it right back to its original spot.

The church on Robben Island

The limestone quarry. The pile of rock in the middle is monument to all the political prisoners who suffered there. In 1995, Nelson Mandela famously picked up the first rock and placed it. He also spoke of his forgiveness with regard to the guards and wardens.

Cell used to hold as many as 80 Namibians

Nelson Mandela's cell. The dog kennels on the island were big. The red bucket was the toilet.

Soccer field/yard

Brief list of some of the political prisoners.

Our tour was conducted by Tom Moses, who was imprisoned on Robben Island for 11 1/2 years for his political views. Listening to him several things are clear.

1. He is a man of incredible principle and conviction.

2. These prisoners were treated as poorly and as cruelly as any in history, dog attacks, beatings and the quarry work.

3. Every single person imprisoned with Nelson Mandela revers him. I find it astonishing how palable his presence still is. I do not know of any figure as respected across a country as he is.

Here are some other cool photos from Robben Island

Sophie, Katie and Ashley. Table Mountain in the back.

Sophie and Ashley

The after we returned, I purchased a couple of Springboks shirts and we chilled by the pool.

In the evening we all decided to return to Camps Bay for dinner and an Ocean sunset. Dinner was at the Codmaster. It was great, select your fish and portion and then they cook it for you.