South Africa Trip - Day 1: Robben Island (6/4/2010)

Arriving gate on Robben Island once the ferry lands from mainland SA.

We head to Robben island after we get up. My first impression upon arriving on the island, reminds me somewhat of the concentration camp I visited outside of Berlin a few years ago; the incarceration of people who shouldn't be in there, the compound they were held in, etc.

Leper Graveyard on the island. 

I believe this was the entrance to the prison camp (the island had many buildings and parts to it, the whole thing wasnt a  prison). Seems like a nice place no?

One of the sterile halls of the encampment where the prisoners were held.

My bro paid the guards some money to lock me up as he was already tired of my shenanigans.

 Was very educational to learn about some of the history of SA and RI; however the coolest thing about the island to me, were the penguins! 

Penguin mean mugging me trying to pet them. Protected by the brush.

Me spending time with the resident penguins. Soooo cute!! 

They had tons of penguins all over the island that were tiny (maybe a foot tall if that) and able to crawl/waddle underneath the shrubs (this was no where near the ocean). Really cool and I tried to have some come out so I can pet them but they do not oblige. After we get back to the mainland, we head to the district 6 museum and the “Castle” which was really just an old fort. 

You can definitely tell this place has some European influence. Just look at the architecture.

Beautiful building in the middle of Cape Town. Dont remember what it was but based on the number of pictures we took of it, it was impressive :)

Wall of the castle with flags flying high and a protective moat.

Entrance to the Castle. Here we go.

Cannons on the Castle grounds. I wonder if they still work :)

The museum was interesting to see as we got to learn a little more about the apartheid era and the history of SA. After that, we walked to a nearby restaurant area and ate at an Italian restaurant where Claire finally joined us (had some airplane issues getting to SA). After completely gorging ourselves (especially Jim – never watch that man eat), we walk back to the hostel for a minimal pub crawl (like 2 stops).

Ran across the WC mascot. Had to get a pic. 

This bar had a weird dress code. Apparently it finds vests and slops (whatever those are) after 6pm a no no.

The gang united finally and drinking some kickoff drinks (dont remember what they were but I do remember they were similar to our long islands both in taste and composition - no bueno).

We wind up at the hostel and hang out for a little bit before heading to bed for another crazy night of listening to the soccer hooligans chanting the night away, police sirens sounding, night club music from the hostel, and other extra noises.