The picture of Nelson Mandela and another prisoner was taken Saturday at one of the exhibits during our visit to Robben Island. Today's student writer is Dan Ritter, who also came to Cape Town last year with Belmont's University Ministries. He has been a wonderful resource as we travel about Cape Town learning and serving.
"It is impossible to truly visit Cape Town without taking time to play tourist at Table Mountain. This natural world wonder is a giant flat-top mountain that can be reached one of two ways: (1) hiking or (2) cable car. We all opted for the cable car and enjoyed a wonderful hour on top looking out over the city center (downtown). The views were indescribably breathtaking, and the sheer magnitude of Table Mountain left everyone with a sense of awe."
"From Table Mountain we made our way to the District Six museum. District Six was a community of mixed races and religious traditions that lived peacefully together until the mid-1940s. At that point, the dominant white minority (and the perpetrators of Apartheid) forced this community into barren lands outside the city. This event was what instigated much of the poverty problem that exists in Cape Town today. The museum was unbelievable. Our group had the opportunity to move about the building taking in the stories of those affected by the District Six expulsion."
"We moved from the museum to Table Bay where we caught the ferry to Robben Island, the location of an infamous prison. This prison was the home of Nelson Mandela for nearly two decades during the anti-Apartheid struggle. Mandela was not the only political prisoner held here. In fact, myriad political positions were represented in the Robben Island prison showing that the crime being punished was race and not political ideology."
"After a full day, we grabbed dinner at "Mama Africa." EVERYONE dug right into the traditional South African cuisine. We had everything from Springbok and udu (both antelopes) to ostrich and crocodile. We all had a fantastic time. I know that we appreciate your continued prayers for safety. It is hard to believe that we leave for Botswana in just a few days. Love to all of you back home from all of us here!"
One final note - another group member stated she got teared up just thinking that we actually got the opportunity to see where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Just to be on Robben Island was a historical and emotional journey for us. As Dan stated above, thanks for your love and prayers. We will be home in two weeks.
Until next time.
Bernard Turner