Day 1 in Africa...

Day 1 When we arrived at the airport in South Africa our professor was not with us. We were unsure of what to expect. However, for some odd reason, I knew everything would be ok. When we walked out customs and baggage claim, Courtney, one of our guides was standing there holding a sign that said “OLE MISS.” I was sooooooo happy to see him. I just said thank you Jesus

The next morning, our professor arrived. We all went to Robben Island, which is the prison were Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held for many years. For example, Nelson Mandela was held in the prison for 27 years. According to the tour guides, his only crime was he opposed the racial separation. We visited places on the site which included his cell.

I saw my first wild penguin, seal, and gazelle. The scenery is so beautiful.  However, horrible things happened on the island. For example, the prisoners worked in the quarry. When six months the prisoners had mined all the limestone need to complete the task. However, they were forced to mine for an additional 12 years as punishment. At times just taking stones from point A-B or B-A. Some prisoners were professors, doctors, and lawyers. Other prisoners did not have a formal education. In fact, some did not know how to read or write. So the men who were professors and lawyers used their lunch time and “potty” time to teach those who were illiterate how to read and write. The phrase “Each one, Teach One” originated here. They call it the smallest university.

The pile of rock were placed by the Nelson Mandela and other ex-political prisoners. The rock represent the diversity of the prisoners at Robben Island