Paul arrives in South Africa

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Wed 18

Went kitesurfing today it was amazing- I loved it! Might book a week of it up in Kenya. Didn't touch the board though. Played with the kite on the land and then went into the cold water and got dragged along on my belly by the kite. It was scary at times though as the wind was very strong and the waves were very big but hopefully that means next time I do it in calmer conditions it will be easier! Back in town I checked in to Daddy Long Legs hotel which is an art hotel and drove to the airport to pick up Paul.

(Paulie officially takes over the blog from here - it's a case of long time listner, first time blogger..)

I arrived late in the evening to find Tamsin had decided to book us into a very unusual hotel where we had the hospital themed room with blood spray painted walls . It was cool! The mirrors were set up so it felt like you were in a long ward. We got free Mentos in the room - not very hospitally or hotely, but a nice touch 😊

Thur 19

This morning we went to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many many years (note: this blog isnt the place for hard facts). We learnt about the history of the island (its previous existance as psyciatric/lepar dumping ground and subsequent use by the military) and about its importance to the wildlife. Mandela had his own small cell in the block shared with other activist leader types. We saw where he had to work in the neighbouring mini-quary during the day, gathering raw materials used for the island's roads. The tour was led by an ex-prisoner (political, not convict) that made the tour very insightful. He had no anger/regret about the past as he as it was more important to focus on the good side that they achieved what they had started out to do.

In the afternoon we went to the top of table mountain using the cable car. The cable car rotated as it went up, offering a bizzare feeling. Wondered round for a couple of hours, saw the early part of the sun set, then headed back to a vegie cafe that distracts men from the lack of meat by peppering images of upper body lady parts over the menu (discretely done).

Links for 19/04/07:
www.robben-island.org.za
www.tablemountain.net

Fri 20

Went on an all day wine tour around Cape Town with T's friends Nici, Gary, Nick, Jane and the two Norwegien girls (known collectively by all as the Norway's). At one of the wine places we watched our host open a bottle of champagne for us using a sword. On the way back we stopped at the oldest pub in cape town, then on to a Mexican for food, nightclub, and back to our next hostel opposite all the nightclubs - eek, noise!

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Photos

Table mountain and Cape town
taken from Robben Island where Mandella and other political prisoners were imprissoned

Nick and Jane
Nick and Jane from our wine tour. They had both been to Michaels supermarket in Leamington Spa to buy wine!

Cheetah Sanctuary
One of the wine places had a Cheetah sanctuary

Tamsin and Paul Drinking Champagne
A day early to celebrate Euan and Bella's engagement

Comments

[Tamsin's mum]

Food tour
I think I know more about what Tamsin had to eat and drink round the world than any other detail. Thought should leave comment as we have a new author. I thought Nelson Mandela's cell was your hotel room when I first read the entry!!