Glimpse into Robben Island

L to R: Entrance to Robben Island (Did you know that before it's infamy Robben Island used to be a place where they kept the lepers?);  The yellow house on the left is called Sobukwe House. Sobukwe was a freedom fighter, who broke away from the ANC and founded the Pan Africanist Congress. He was held  24-hour solitary confinement as a "visitor" on Robben Island. Sobukwe was never given a trial and during his time on the island was never allowed to speak to anyone. He would die years later still under house arrest. The buildings on the right are where they kept the guard dogs;  This is the limestone quarry where maximum security prisoners were used for hard labour. The conditions were harsh and the limestone caused lung damage and also damage to the eyes. One example is Nelson Mandela, who cannot produce tears, because of damage from the hours of direct sunlight and reflection of the light on the stones.  This quarry was also the only time for prisoners were able to talk and share revolutionary literature; and trying to look beyond the wall and barbed wire.   

L to R: Nelson Mandela's prison cell; our tour guide, who was a former prisoner, sharing his experiences on the island;  scenes of the empty prison; and a tour of our guide's former cell and his sleeping arrangements. 

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. - Nelson Mandela