We were awake early after an early night last night. No late night shows or cocktail parties on tap. We now have to fend for ourselves.

A letter has been pushed under our door saying our pick up on the 4th is at 12:45, however an email sent to us two days ago said our flight has been brought forward to 12:45. We find a rep in the hotel lobby, and after a confusing conversation about dates and days of the week, it transpires our pick up is at 09:30.

We caught the courtesy bus to the V&A waterfront and walked around the air-conditioned shopping centre, and looked at the animals made out of scrap before walking to the pick-up point for our ferry to Robben Island.

After a long queue, our tickets for the ferry did not register, and we were not on the manifest. By chance, the English people in the queue behind had told us their tickets had been issued in the name of Edward & Susan Helps, and they had to get it changed. What a coincidence. We were rushed to the office, and the ferry was held while the booking company confirmed we did have a booking, and we just made it on board.

Robben Island was very interesting, particularly as the tours were led by political prisoners who had been imprisoned on the island. Our guide had served 7 years of a 25-year sentence and gave us, with many funny anecdotes, an insight into prison life and conditions in Soweto, where he grew up. Sue made a note of books that she now needs to read about this period of history.

We returned and got off the boat to look for Karibu South African Dinning, so we could try a Bobeti, a traditional meal, which had been recommended by our guide yesterday.

The excitement of the day did not finish. We waited at the courtesy bus pick up point. A bus with Southern Sun on the side pulled up, and in we got. When we arrived and walked into reception, it looked different, and it was. We were in The Southen Sun Waterfront Hotel, not The Southern Sun Cullinan. The hotels were near each other, but it was not clear how to get from one to the other as there were no pavements. A lovely security man showed us the secret door at the back that led outside. We were finally able to see our hotel, and with all this excitement, I needed a beer.

Sue was even more excited when we sat by the pool with a beer, and a disco and live group started up. I preferred the sound of the Harley’s that were now going past the hotel.

Although at lunch we said we would not need another meal. After a couple of pints and the waft of the smell of food, we decided we did not need another meal, but we wanted one. So as it was 7pm, warm and we were by the pool listening to the music, food was ordered with a few more drinks.