Last Day in Cape Town

This was a different sort of day. We started our day by boarding a ferry and taking the 8 kilometer trip from Cape Town out to Robben Island, best known for being the place where Nelson Mandela was held from 1964-1982. While many of our experiences up to this point showed off the greatness and beauty of South Africa, this experience began to open our eyes to the reality of the Apartheid government in this country, which only ended 15 years ago. Once on the island we were bused around with a tour guide describing the history of the island including its role as a place of defense against the Germans in World War II. It was stunning when our guide talked about the ways that the government classified people at the age of 16. There were four classes: white, colored, Asian/Indian, black. This was determined by the government through various methods. When the skin color alone was not conclusive, they would put a pencil in the hair and if it stayed, you were considered black, if not you could be considered colored--with greater privileges. After the bus tour we were led through the prison by a former political prisoner who had been detained on the island. They were very open to discussing their experiences and the realities of the treatment that they received. It was sobering and fascinating at the same time. As you listen to something like that you can't help but wonder how those things happen. The final portion of the trip was viewing Nelson Mandela's cell in the building where they kept the political leaders. Very small, no toilet--intentionally--only a bucket that was cleaned out by the prisoner every day and then used for them to clean their clothes, and early on only two thin mats and a blanket or two. It was an enlightening experience and a moving one also. The boat ride back was a bit wavy and rainy. Several women had a few stomach issues for a bit. We then went to lunch and had fish and calamari after a wonderful bread and Greek salad. Some quick shopping and back to the hotel to change for the concert. This concert was in Stellenbosch and shared with two other high school girl choirs. Both choirs were from the same area but one was a choir from an English school and the other was a choir from an Afrikaan school. We began with Dr. Rieck doing warm-ups for the entire group and teaching a simple round. The two choirs sang a couple of pieces and then WoCo did several selections. The South African Freedom Songs were a particular hit. There was excellent interaction following the concert with the choirs. We were very warmly and enthusiastically received. It was especially fun when several of the students from Stellenbosch University, whom we met yesterday, arrived for the concert as well. After this is was back to the hotel and the choir was off to dinner on their own and packing since we leave the hotel to go to the airport tomorrow morning by 7:45.