DAY NINE - CAPE TOWN
ZUZANNA WALISZEWSKA
Although the next day wasn’t the best one for me (neither for
Ilona), I still can recall some moments from that day. I remember we were
almost late for our ferry to Robben Island. While Professor Olivier, as a F1
driver, was overtaking a 100th car, I was just sitting on the back, almost flying from one side of van to
another. I’m still very impressed by Professor Olivier’s driving skills.
Luckily we made it. Robben Island was very impressive. Probably it would be even
more impressive for me, if I didn’t have to restrain myself from puking. I was
praying in my head “Oh God, please, I don’t want to throw up here, on Robben
Island”. Anyway, being in the place, where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years was an
extraordinary experience. A man who actually was an ex- prisoner was our guide,
so this experience was even more significant. On our way back to Cape Town we
could observe some dolphins jumping in the water, seals and even whale! After
my health problems, we met Karen, and we went together on Cape Point. The view was breathtaking and it was the moment when you
really could think “The world is beautiful”. We also saw some baboons, who were
strolling around. One of them, was even walking on the roof of our van!
Robben Island |
ADRIAN PTASZYŃSKI
Jailhouse Rock
In the morning we are almost late for a ferry ride, because the short, half a
kilometer walk Izak sets us on to walk ourselves turns out to be a extensive
run around the whole waterfront.Today we visit Robben Island, famous for being
a prison island ever since 17th century (something like Australia,
but smaller), and most famous for being the place of imprisonment of –
naturally and inevitably - Nelson Mandela, and countless other convicts that
nobody remembers. Now they have turned it into a museum-style tour serving a
political purpose, much like everything else in SA. The ferry ride itself is an
adventure of its own – with sun shining down and the water splashing around,
all that is missing to the utter bliss
is a cold drink with a little umbrella and a sunbed. We also went on top of the
Cape Point, the tip of the Cape of Good Hope, where I shortly consider staying
and never leaving, surviving on sheer beauty and tourist leftovers. Similarly
to what the local baboons do, completely unbothered by the masses of tourists
and just minding their business. This is also the supposed place where the two
oceans – the Indian and the Pacific – meet and mingle, but not really. Just
what the tourists think.
dinner in Cape Town |
MICHAŁ MARCINIAK
In the morning Izak picked me and Adrian up to the ferry, along the way
we also picked up Agata. Zuza was already there waiting with professor Olivier.
Unfortunately, Ilona had to stay at home because she got sick. We were late for
the ferry to Robben Island. Fortunately, professor Olivier did the trick and we
are on the ferry. Along the way we saw dolphins, seals and even a whale. We are
on the island. Visit in the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his
life is not the most pleasant experience. However, it was thought-provoking
experience. It was time for a moment of reflection. I heard a lot about this
man so I think that, even though it was not so pleasant, it was quite a
valuable experience for me. After we finished with a museum , we had dinner in
the restaurant next to the harbour. I wanted to try kabeljou but it was not
available. Instead of this I ate grilled kinglip, which was really well
prepared in my opinion. Later on we went
for a ride along the coast. We get to
Cape Point. We saw some baboons closely. One of them even decided to jump on
our vehicle.
To Cape Point! |
AGATA LEŚNOWOLSKA
Hello Cape Town, I just woke up in Karina's
house and I started the day with a croissant and a conversation about books.
And I saw HIS study. It just doesn’t get any better.
I don’t think anyone knew that but when I was
researching for my presentation on our second year I came across Karina’s
essay about South Africa (I’ve included the link in the presentation) and I
really, really loved it. It was so honest and peaceful. Since then I’ve been
following her blog. So being hosted by her was like two dreams coming true at
once. It was also funny (or ridiculous) because when she was introducing
herself and telling a little bit about her history I’ve already knew all the
facts like a creepy stalker. I hope I wasn’t too awkward or that at least my
awkwardness was adorable not embarrassing for it was quite difficult to relax
having dinner with THE FAMILY. Overwhelmed by the surprise and paralyzed by the
awareness of the date.
Everyone made me feel very welcomed despite the fact
that it must have been extremely difficult for it was the heartbreaking February
5. Karina’s hospitality made me feel very special, since from the moment I sat
at the table I was treated like I was one of the household members (her cats
liking me might have helped). I just cannot find words big enough to describe
how meaningful and memorable this experience was for me and I don’t want to
trivialize it with some clichés so I’m going to stop now despite my desperate
need to go on forever. But please know it was the single most notable thing
that happened to me in South Africa and one of the most significant that
happened to me in life.
Anyhow, Robben Island. I was prepared to be crushed by
sadness. It turns out there is no way for me to actually experience something
with so many people around. Talking, joking, suffering from food poisoning. I
mean the prison cell was so small and so bare but the kid behind me started to
cry and the mother had to go out and then there suddenly there were five more
people wanting to take a picture of it and we all had to hurry because the
guide was already gone. Please give visitors more time to feel it, to really
look. But it did hit me, quite unexpectedly. It was when I heard the story
about the cairn of stones at the entrance to the Quarry. It was the most heartbreaking,
just imagining Mandela starting the isisivane and the rest of the former prisoners
quietly following the lead.
Then we found Karen, or we failed to recognize South
African Karen and Professor found her, and took another picturesque road to the
Cape Point. On the way we passed the Monkey Valley Resort where Karen used to
work as a waitress. We took the cable car (when I get back there I’m going to
walk the hell out of South Africa) with a promising name Flying Dutchman
Funicular and enjoyed yet another spectacular view. But it was the baboons that
stole the show coupling happily, irrespective of children in the audience.
There was also one wondering around which (who) ended up on the roof of our
car. They inspire a lot of respect because they care so little about humans.
Another front seat drive for me and a springbok pie
for dinner. I love you Cape Town.
Cape Point |
ILONA KARNIŁO
This whole day I do not wish to be mentioned ever
again in my life. I stayed at my host’s flat all day, crying that I’m losing
one of the most important days on the trip, and trying to force myself to eat
an apple.
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