点评:Robben Island isn’t a polished theme-park “experience.” It’s authentic, raw, and exactly what a place like this should be. The bumpy ferry ride, the quiet coastline, the stark cells, and the stories told by former prisoners all make the history feel painfully real. Nothing is staged or sugar-coated. You can still feel the weight of what happened here, and that’s the entire point.
Our guide shared his history with calm dignity, weaving personal experience with the broader struggle for freedom. But during the tour, an American man interrupted him to ask when he would “wrap it up” so he wouldn’t miss his boat. It was shockingly rude and disrespectful—easily one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever witnessed as a traveler. The guide, however, stayed composed and continued with grace. That alone says everything about the strength and humanity behind those who now tell this story to the world.
To the guides, especially the former prisoners who share their past so generously: thank you. Your courage, patience, and honesty turn this visit into something unforgettable. Robben Island isn’t comfortable, and it shouldn’t be. It’s necessary.
翻译:罗本岛并非精心打造的主题公园“体验”。它真实、质朴,也正是此类场所应有的样子。颠簸的渡轮之旅、静谧的海岸线、简陋的牢房,以及前囚犯讲述的故事,都让这段历史显得格外真实,令人感同身受。这里没有丝毫矫饰或粉饰。你依然能感受到这里曾经发生的一切的沉重,而这正是它的意义所在。
我们的导游以沉稳的姿态讲述着他的故事,将个人经历与争取自由的宏大斗争交织在一起。然而,在讲解过程中,一位美国男子突然打断他,询问何时“结束”,以免错过他的船。这种行为令人震惊,粗鲁无礼——这绝对是我作为旅行者所见过的最尴尬的事情之一。但导游却保持着镇定,优雅地继续讲解。仅此一点,就足以展现那些如今将这段历史讲述给世人的人们所拥有的坚韧和人性光辉。
致所有导游,特别是那些慷慨分享过往经历的前囚犯们:谢谢你们。你的勇气、耐心和诚实让这次访问成为一段难忘的经历。罗本岛并不舒适,也不应该舒适。这是必要的。