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Background: After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments, but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902). The resulting Union of South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races. The 1990s brought an end to apartheid politically and ushered in black majority rule.

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By Wellsy981
August 29th 2008

Let the travelling begin

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Me in my room
I actually got a double bed when i fort booked a single whey some of that.

Hello every1 hope you are all missing me, I aint missing no1, only joking. : ) Well so far I havent really done much got here yesterday after quite possibly the most uncomfortable flight out here. When I got on the plane it looked like i was going to have the whole row to myself and I fort great i can stretch out and sleep with my free pillow, (which i forgot to nick) so it was all going great I was sitting there the whole row to myself the out of nowhere the steward comes along and gives me a [View Full Entry]

By pnltravels
August 27th 2008

To the Top of Table Mountain

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town » Cape Flats

Cape Town Harbour

After being turned away from Robben Island, we got smart and bought our tickets the day before and returned the Waterfront on Wednesday. We were incredibly lucky as the weather was perfect for a boat trip and visit to the island. Robben Island housed a prison for many years, similar to Alcatraz, it is now a museum. Nelson Mandela spent 19 of his 27 years incarcerated on Robben Island. The island was home to mostly black political prisoners like Mandela, but there were also criminals held here too. I found it interesting that they used to hold the criminals and political [View Full Entry]

By KyleKGillis
August 24th 2008

"There, castle!"

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Castle of Good Hope

I managed to stay on dry land and free of sickness this week as I had a more conventional week of just class and some sight seeing within the city. On Friday we went into Cape Town and toured the District 6 Museum. District 6 was large black and "coloured" community where pretty much all the residents were relocated out to the townships away from the city during Apartheid and everything within the district was destroyed. I have a couple pictures below that show Richmond Street, one of the streets in the district, before Apartheid and during Apartheid when the street [View Full Entry]

By Tim 88888
August 21st 2008

Cape Town

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Cape Town From Table Mountain

Cape Town Finally we arrived in Cape Town after an amazing 6 weeks travelling across Africa. Prior to people heading off different ways there was an opportunity to look around some of the shanty towns and townships. The shanty towns have had electricity installed within the last two years but are due to be phased out completetly in the years leading up to hosting the world cup. The task ahead is going to be considerable as one of the shanty towns stretched for 15 km and is over 2km wide. Cape Town is a great city and provided a good opportunity [View Full Entry]

By Jolane
August 20th 2008

Relaxing in Cape Town

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Sandboarding in Swakopmund, Namibia

Okay...so before departing Swakopmund, Namibia the leader of our overland group (Heini) organized a tour of the township that he grew up in - Mendosa (hopefully I've spelled that right). We hit all the highlights - the barber, the market where we had some fat cookies (fried bread) and meat and drank some sogum (a drink made out of a kind of millet), Tears of Hope (a local orphanage), the DRC (the very poor area where there is no electricity or running water in the homes and the houses are made out of whatever kind of material could be found), a [View Full Entry]

By Anne in Cape Town
August 18th 2008

Better Late Than Never

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

DeeDee and I, Mexican style

Monday, August 18, 2008, 7:02 AM Ok, I know that it has been 10 days since I’ve been back in the United States, and that I haven’t included any events in my blog from July 21st onwards (yikes), but better late than never, eh? When I got back on Friday morning (August 8th), I headed up to the Ruhle’s Vermont house with my brother for a little shindig with Jeff, Dave, Jon, and some NJ friends, then to Kawanhee for Counselor Party (dinner, party, and all), then back home for a night before spending the next week with mi madre at [View Full Entry]

By PA Leslie
August 17th 2008

Great white sharks...great wines...welcome to Western Cape

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

another dream come true....finally...

It seems that some of you are enjoying their month of August as much as me...I've never had so many hits in a single month on my blog, thanks to all of you. It's my third visit to the Western Cape region and to Cape Town....so why...well, you've already seen the pictures. How do you start a perfect day...egg benedicte with salmon for breakfast...great white sharks seeing in the cage for the morning...lunch of oysters and white wine...afternoon of golf...and great gourmet diner with great view before a last cigar...I'm a happy man. Did arrive late evening at the Arabella [View Full Entry]

By pnltravels
August 16th 2008

Cape Town - The Mother City

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town » Cape Flats

Silvermine Lookout
Shot of Cape Town area from the Silvermine Lookout.

They call Cape Town the Mother City. I don't know the official reason why, but most locals will joke with you and say it's because it takes 9 months to get anything done. We have been lucky and we know it. We are so grateful for Peter's family and the extended time we have been able to stay and enjoy delightful Cape Town. As you can see from the amount of photos that we are posting, we enjoying the sights of this beautiful city! With it's gorgeous beaches, mountains and sunshine it is easy to see why almost 4 million people [View Full Entry]

By Lantka
August 15th 2008

Saying Goodbye

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

Today we left South Africa. We spent last night saying our goodbyes at Africa Café where we laughed about our experiences and regretted having to leave each other after growing so close during our journey. I met some amazing educators on this trip - both from South Africa and the U.S. - and have learned so much. I am so thankful for all the opportunities, experiences, and friendships I developed along the way and I look forward to sharing what I have discovered. [View Full Entry]

By funksmybrother
August 13th 2008

The Circle Is Complete

Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town

No, not the Circle of Life (although I am in Africa). I mean that I have finally come full circle and am back in Cape Town, not 10 minutes walk from where I was staying on July 1st. I've actually been here for a couple of days now and have to leave tomorrow. I've probably already said something similar, but I'll say it again - I'm not really looking forward to leaving Africa. In fact, I've never wanted to come home from a trip less than I do right now. I guess it's fortunate that I'm not going home quite yet [View Full Entry]

Travel Blog » Africa » South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Town