The Passenger

Robben Island, located off the coast of Cape Town, has a long and significant history, dating back to the 17th century when it was initially used by the Dutch as a place of exile and quarantine for the indigenous Khoikhoi people. Over the centuries, the island served various purposes, including as a prison, a leper colony, and even a military base. However, it is most renowned for its role during apartheid, when it became a symbol of the brutality and injustice of the regime. During this period, the island was used by the South African government as a high-security prison to house political prisoners, particularly those who opposed apartheid. The harsh conditions and isolation of Robben Island made it a place of suffering, but also of resistance and resilience for the many prisoners who were sent there.

Cape Town is a city at the sea or better said near the point where two oceans meet: the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. For sure a city like this needs an aquarium and here it is – the Two Oceans Aquarium at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It was opened in 1995 and shows 300 fish species in 30 tanks plus penguins and seals. You can find all the inhabitants of the seas here, from jelly fish, klipfish, moray eels and anemonefish to sea horses.

A place that tourists visit frequently at Cape Town is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or short V&A Waterfront) – the area around the harbor of the city. It is named after Queen Victoria of England and her son Alfred who laid the foundation for the wave breaker in front of the harbor. The area is fascinating as it consists of the still active harbor, wharfs where ships are repaid as well as a very touristy section with bars, restaurants and a vast shopping mall.