Table Mountain from Robben Island

An early morning 90 minute sprint up Table Mountain  for Margie, Bob, Dave and myself whilst Frances and Cathie took almost as long queuing for, then taking, the cable car. 
Stunning views over other peaks in the area as well as views down to Cape Town, Hout Bay and distant False Bay beyond. Time was short, so we all took the revolving cable car down and had checked out of our luxurious apartment in Camps Bay by 11.15 am.
Robben Island was next on our itinerary so we headed back to the V & A Waterfront where the Ferry Terminal was situated and checked that the boat was running (it had been very windy earlier). We had time for a quick pizza in a nearby restaurant before heading to the queue of people waiting for the ferry. The ticket checking that went on before and after our visit felt unnecessarily intrusive but was nothing compared to the impositions the prisoners were subjected to under the apartheid system. 
Our tour took us all round Robben Island with a pause for coffees, toilets and an opportunity to look back to Cape Town and Table Mountain and to take some photos. The second part of our visit included a tour of the High Security B Block where prisoners like Nelson Mandela had been held, with an eloquent ex convict as our guide. We learned a lot about the conditions the prisoners endured and none of it was uplifting. However, it was wonderful to hear how the prisoners had supported each other whilst they were incarcerated and how they were now focused on improving the future rather than seeking retribution for the past. We could all learn a lot from people who have experienced oppression like this and I am glad we visited this place.
Back on the mainland we were soon en route to Franschhoek for a stay on a Farmstead. Very rustic but of a high quality. We had an outdoor toilet and shower (as one of our options) and our bed’s mattress lay on piled palettes. The bedding was top quality and in the well appointed kitchen the coffee pot was a stove top Italian espresso maker. #margieinheaven
A quick look around Franschhoek confirmed it’s upmarket status and a plethora of high class restaurants. We shared 3 small platters of fish & chips, some stir fried vegetables and wild mushroom croquettes. Great value at £105 for dinner including wines for 8 hungry travellers. 


Night spent at Two Rivers Farm, Franschhoek