Robben Island and Minstrel Carnival

 On our agenda for today was a visit to Robben Island and attend the minstrel carnival. Robben Island is the prison Nelson Mandela was held at during his jail time during apartheid. In "A Long Walk to Freedom" we read all about his time in jail. While there, the political prisoners weren't allowed to talk about politics or write political paper. While in prison, Mandela wrote a long walk to freedom and hid his work in a garden in the prison.  We were able to see this and Mandelas cell. His cell only consisted of a bucket and a blanket on the floor. We passed by the limestone quarry where the prisoners would work. Our tour guide told us that when the prison no longer needed the stones, they would still make the prisoners dig for rocks as punishment. One of our tour guides was an ex prisoner so it was interesting to hear about his experiences. Overall the experience at Robben island was a good one. I learned many interesting stories like how one guy tried to copy the master key and escape from the prison. I really liked how the tour stressed how Robben island wasnt a reminder of the struggles of apartheid but more of the strengths and gains that were made to get to the end of apartheid. 

 We ended the day going to the minstrel carnival. This was a lively parade of individuals of all ages dressed up I'm bright costumes marching, singing, dancing, and playing instruments. It was really exciting! The carnival is in celebration of the new year and has roots in the minstrels from America that came to South Africa. Opposite from minstrels in America, they whitened their faces with white face paint and glitter and imitated their masters. The bright costumes were so cool and it was great to see the excitement in everyone. We got to take pictures we some of the people in the parade. The children were the cutest thought dressed up in their little outfits. It was a great way to experience the lively culture in South Africa.