by Debra Corbeil

Created on: May 16, 2009   Last Updated: May 17, 2009

The weather has cleared and the most beautiful city is revealed to us. When we arrived in Cape Town, South Africa it was cold and rainy. It stayed that way for 4 days and we were wondering if we would witness its true magic. But suddenly, the mist dispersed and Table Mountain was revealed. I had read that Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the world and now I see why. It is stunning.

Over 1000 meters high, Table Mountain towers over the beautiful colonial buildings. The waterfront is decorated with brightly painted facades and the gorgeous coastline is framed by high cliffs making it one of the most magnificent in the world.

We took a drive to Simon's Town to see the penguin colony. Winding along one of the most scenic drives on the planet, Chapman's Peak is a treat. Featured in many a film and commercial, its enormous cliffs tower overhead as the road carves its way through blasted rock. Simon's Town is a beautiful coastal village where a seafood lunch is a must. The famous penguins bask in the sun and splash in the water posing perfectly as dozens of tourist snap their camera's.

Heading farther south, we drive to the Cape of Good Hope. The Indian and Atlantic oceans meet here and crash into one another beneath the highest sea cliffs on earth. The view is breathtaking. We thankfully ride the trolley to the top of the cliff where the boardwalk twists through the grounds. Checking out the old lighthouse operators quarters we snap a photo the end of the continent.

Back in Cape Town, we make our way to the V & A Waterfront. An upscale area filled with boutiques, cafes, seafood restaurants and wine bars. Walking around the shops is a pleasant afternoon and while there, we catch the ferry to Robben Island. Home of the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was detained for the majority of his 29 years behind bars.

The half hour boat ride made me think of what little hope prisoners must have had as they were taken to isolation. Surrounded by frigid shark infested waters, freedom was within their sights, but escape was impossible. The guides are former inmates who made the experience that much more gripping. They told personal stories of their time there and on further conversation, our guide told us that when he tells the stories of his plight to tourists, it acts as therapy and way of coming to terms with his experience. These men are true heroes. It was amazing to hear what they managed to accomplish from behind bars. They planned and managed to get messages to their followers and eventually brought an end to Apartheid.

We saw Nelson Mandela's tiny cell in the maximum-security wing, the quarry where he chipped away with crude tools and where the secret meetings took place. I don't know how anyone could survive this way for years on end. It is a testimony to the strength and determination of these brave men.

Our guide also told us that near the end of Aparthaid, several guards were sympathetic, and treated them well. They smuggled in uncensored newspapers and gave them cigerettes. They actually had to transfer guards often because they were so sympathetic to the prisoners.

I think about how horrible it must have been, but also how happy they must feel to see that their sacrifice was not in vain. How often do freedom fighters actually live long enough to see change and to see what they are fighting for actually happen?

From what we have seen in our limited view, is that South Africa has a long way to go, but at least progress is being made.

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