This is probably the most famous island in South Africa. If you hear the word Robben Island, your first thought and association is with Madiba (as Nelson Mandela is known to South Africans). Robben Island is an island in Table Bay and lies about 8 km from Cape Town and measures around 3.4 km by 2 km.

This bean-shaped island, the largest in South African waters, is situated in Table Bay with superb views of Cape Town 9 km away. Its high point is only 30 metres above sea level at Minto Hill, atop which is the oldest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere. At this museum on Robben Island, you learn that the first recorded landing on it was in 1498 when Vasco da Gama's support fleet took temporary refuge in its waters. Its situation also made it ideal as a place of quarantine and during much of the later British occupation it was used as a leper colony.

Islands are normally associated with unrestricted freedom. If inhabited, islands represent a lazy lifestyle far removed from society?s rules and regulations. Robben Island though, has a history of deep sorrow, drenched in the coldness that the human heart can bestow on others dissimilar to their own kind. The story of Robben Island started in 1652 when Jan van Riebeeck landed in Cape Town on orders from the Dutch East Indian Company to establish a post where boats could ha...

Cape Town is probably the most visited place in South Africa. Cape Town was originally a stop off port for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India and the Far East, and grew quickly as a result. With its spectacular location and so much to do, it is a must visit destination. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is located between Table Mountain and Robben Island. Originally built by Prince Alfred (son of Queen Victoria), it is in the heart...

1. Table Mountain Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing at the top should top everyone?s list of ?things to do before you die?. Take the leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or alternately hike to the top. Either way you won?t regret it when you get to enjoy the sight of Cape Town and surrounds from the Table top! 2. V & A Waterfront Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most...

The oldest museum in Australia, and one of the most highly respected natural history and anthropological institutions in the world, the Australian Museum has exhibits to appeal to the future Nobel Prize candidates in several fields of natural science. Its palaeontology, anthropology, mineralogy, and zoology exhibits are displayed in a suitably Neo-classical stone edifice, on suitably named College Street, where it has stood since it opened to the public in 1857. Changes at...

Hong Kong is home to over 7 million people. It is a major trading and banking center and has the most liberal economy on the planet. Hong Kong is also a great tourist destination for there are many things to do and see. If you need a workout, consider climbing the 431 steps of the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas which houses 12,800 statues of the Buddha and a mummy of a holy man covered in gold leaf. Or you could try 268 steps to Big Buddha on Lantau Island which is home to th...

Are you planning on visiting the Overland Park, Kansas area soon? If you are you must read this article. It will tell you about one of the best places to visit in Overland Park. That place is the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Keep reading to learn a little more about this great destination. The Arabia Steamboat Museum is a museum dedicated to preserving a steamboat by the name of the Arabia which traveled the rivers until 1856. In 1856 it sank and was lost only to be rediscove...

A spectacular destination surrounded by the pristine waters of the Puget Sound, San Juan Island boasts beaches and pastureland, historic harbors and parks, museums and marinas. Activities abound and range from hiking and kayaking to shopping and museum-going. Experience the inspiring lifestyle on this gem of an island. The San Juans are accessible to the public by water and air. (Also see Orcas and Lopez islands.) The most common means of travel is by Washington State Ferry. San Juan Island is located approximately 90 miles north of Seattle and 80 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. San Juan Island features two main port locations; Friday Harbor, the County Seat is located on the southern part of the island and Roche Harbor is located on the north side. Both communities offer a full range of activities, including the best whale watching in the state.

Therefore millions of people view the front of the museum each year as they watch the Rose Parade. What most of these viewers do not know is that "The Norton Simon Museum of Art holds one of the world's finest and most prestigious private collections of European, American and Asian art."