Friends and Family visit to Robben Island.
Written by Nez, Posted in Uncategorized, Comments: leave another one
Friends, balancing work and family life is no child’s play. There are weeks when I feel like I am winning at this balance, some weeks I get hit by guilt over everything. Guilt of thinking and missing my kids when I am at work. Guilt that I am not committed enough to my work when I am spending time with my family. The guilt is real but hey I like my life and I will choose it again if there is a life after this. Lets start were we left off about my friends from France. Quickly go here and here if you missed previous posts.
The following morning we all had lunch at our friend’s rented Apartment. Their Apartment was fabulous. It was neat and had a lovely view of the sea. Just like we have planed, after breakfast the Big girls #moms went for shopping. The big boys #dads took over babysitting. We gave strict instruction like, no chocolates when the kids cry and no reading news paper. The kids to get 100% attention. They must have taken our instructions seriously because we did not get any calls when we were out.
We passed by Green Market Square in town for some African accessories, and then headed to Waterfornt for shopping. Me eye shopping. Ha!.
While were brousing Green Market Square, there was a sweet melody in the atmosphere. The melody was coming form these babies in the pic below. They were singing so well. There is a lot of talent in the streets of Cape Town.
We thought the time was too short because in what seems like a blink of an eye we got a call that its time for our next appointment – Robben Island. We met atNelson Mandela Gateway to catch a ferry to Robben Island.
The kids were good and VERY happy to see us. We already bought ticket, but the queue to board the ferry was very long. There was no exception for people with kids. One guy felt sorry for us. He asked us to come before him. From half way in a queue to number five in line. We pretended to be brave and ignored the hating eyes as we asked for a way to pass. Ha!.We board the famous Robben Island Ferry Sikhululekile meaning we are free.
The kids had fun in the ferry. They sang for what seems like forever. I promise, they were not loud and the lady next to us thought they were adorable. She was actually pumping them to sing more. Every time they stop singing she will ask them what song they just sang. The kids will fire up again. They enjoyed her company.
Robben Island was amazing. You will never visit Robben Island and come back the same person. The weight and sheer history about SA’s politics will push you to think of human equality issues and what is your contribution in creating a better future for all. Robben Island is a very special place.
I have visited Robben Island several times. My first visit was 12 years ago. On my first visit all the hightlights of the Island were open to the public. Like The Robbert Sobukwe house, The quarry and importantly Nelson Mandela Cell. You could enter in to Mandela cell, enter Sobukwe house and sit on the bed he was using.. Today in order to preserve history, the entrance is restricted. You better visit the Island now because you never know how will it be in the next 10 years. Maybe that time you wont be allowed in to step your feet on the Island but you will just view it in a ferry over the distance.
Muli infront of Mandela Cell. That hand is for the tour guider. He is an ex prisoner in Robben Island. His words pierce my heart like a sharp sword when he talks about how badly he was treated because of the colour of his skin. He is a hero.
The kids were playing and having fun.
Just how cute is this mommy of two boys?. Look at the adorable 5months old cute face.
After the tour we hang around chatting with our tour guider. It was a long tour and it was very taxing emotionally. Going back inland, the ferry was quite. Kids were tired and adult were digesting the rich South African political history.
When we reached inland we grabbed some ice creams and walk around the streets of Waterfront. We were not done for a day. Our next adventure was Table Mountain.
Stay tuned for friends, family and sunset on Table Mountain.
Take care,
Nez