On Saturday (June 11, 2011) we took a trip to the Castle of Good Hope, a former Dutch fort. Again we took a train to the downtown area of Cape Town and from there walked to the castle. The castle is actually nested within the city!
We thought there would be a changing of the guards to watch, but were instead treated to a demonstration by the Cannon Association of South Africa!
They do the demonstration several times a day, so I got video of a later demonstration.
After watching the demonstration, we went on a guided tour around the castle. The guide pointed out some neat sundials they used at the fort.
Next we walked to the room where the arsenal was kept. The room had no windows and was pitch black. There was also a hole in the ground (now covered by some glass) to drain water that used to leak in from the sea. The door had no handle on the inside as a way to catch someone trying to steal arsenals. If they came in and closed the door, they would be stuck!
Next, we saw a couple of rooms that were used for prisoners and solitary confinement. There were some interesting messages written on the doors.
On the way to the next part of the tour, we walked along the top of the fort. The view was incredible!
Next, we were taken to a room used for torture and interrogations. They would even hang the prisoner by their feet and beat them. Others who were also being tortured would be kept in the room next door, so that they could hear the screams of the person currently being tortured! The room was also incredibly dark, with only a small window at the top. Once the door was closed, you would not have been able to see anything.
On our way out, Bilal posed for a quick photo.
Next we saw where the governor stayed. It was quite nice and included a pool for him to swim in.
After the guided tour, there were three small museums to walk through. We went through them quickly and also walked around the top of the fort.
Next, we walked to the District Six Museum. I suppose the best way to describe it is as a large two story room with many displays all along the walls.
We did not spend too much time in the museum and soon headed home. Liam and Onno parted ways and headed to watch a rugby game.
We thought there would be a changing of the guards to watch, but were instead treated to a demonstration by the Cannon Association of South Africa!
They do the demonstration several times a day, so I got video of a later demonstration.
After watching the demonstration, we went on a guided tour around the castle. The guide pointed out some neat sundials they used at the fort.
Next we walked to the room where the arsenal was kept. The room had no windows and was pitch black. There was also a hole in the ground (now covered by some glass) to drain water that used to leak in from the sea. The door had no handle on the inside as a way to catch someone trying to steal arsenals. If they came in and closed the door, they would be stuck!
Next, we saw a couple of rooms that were used for prisoners and solitary confinement. There were some interesting messages written on the doors.
On the way to the next part of the tour, we walked along the top of the fort. The view was incredible!
Next, we were taken to a room used for torture and interrogations. They would even hang the prisoner by their feet and beat them. Others who were also being tortured would be kept in the room next door, so that they could hear the screams of the person currently being tortured! The room was also incredibly dark, with only a small window at the top. Once the door was closed, you would not have been able to see anything.
On our way out, Bilal posed for a quick photo.
Next we saw where the governor stayed. It was quite nice and included a pool for him to swim in.
After the guided tour, there were three small museums to walk through. We went through them quickly and also walked around the top of the fort.
Next, we walked to the District Six Museum. I suppose the best way to describe it is as a large two story room with many displays all along the walls.
We did not spend too much time in the museum and soon headed home. Liam and Onno parted ways and headed to watch a rugby game.
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