Robben island. A moving experience. Monday afternoon. 1pm ferry to Robben Island off shore Cape Town. There were hundreds of passengers who looked like tourists waiting, and a good sprinkling of passengers who looked like Black South Africans. I don't know the accents so I can't tell. There were Japanese, and Germans, Americans, Brits and Italians plus a Trini for good measure. As we queued to enter the crowded waiting room, to have our bags scanned before boarding the ferry, I noticed the mood was somber befitting the pilgrimage we were about to make. Reminding me of my visits to Ann Frank house in Amsterdam. Even that normally unruly lot- a teenage school group from England- weren't actually behaving in an outrageous manner. The waiting room walls and stairwell were chock full with several visual representations ... read more

On Sunday we were taken around by Daniel the son of Alison our hostess. He was a trooper and got us what seems like everywhere. We saw so much awe inspiring scenery And we Saw about 50 Warning signs BABOONS! But actual baboons seen ... Zero. Disappointing. We saw small groups of Pelicans - this is the mating season and they are highly protected. Still they are so sweet.... Surprisingly small though. The African Pelican is only about 20" tall. We wanted to get to the top of Table Mountain but the wind was too strong. Here are some of the photos of our Sunday drive. And a map of the Cape so you can spot where the trail took us. Claremont is the start point..... It's nearly midnight now and I have an early start ... read more

For almost forty years when I worked in the hotel and tourism sector, international visitors invariably asked the same question ... Where do you go for vacation if you live on such a beautiful island? the answer is obvious. I go in search of what I don't have here.... Continents, teeming cities, large landscapes, ancient and prehistoric existences and the like. South Africa is 471,845 sq miles vs Tobago's 116. That's four thousand times bigger. Populations compared - 44million in 2002 vs 50,000 is 880 times bigger. it contains renowned prehistoric antiquity, awesome wild life, proud tribes people their cultures and turbulent colonial history, beautiful landscapes and cities teeming with lively action. So Africa here I come for the ride of a lifetime!!!!... read more