Paarl, a town of 200,000 inhabitants in the Cape Winelands, is the third oldest European settlement in South Africa. It's located about 60 kilometers from Cape Town and is known mostly for its fruit (and especially grape and wine) production.

Another thing that the town will always be remembered for is that it hosts the old Victor Verster Correctional Centre - the prison where Nelson Mandela was held before his release in 1992.

I remember the day that he was release - it was the day that our family was returning from our holiday in Wellington (a nearby town). I vividly remember how the national highway was lined with thousands of ANC supporters - awaiting the release of their beloved Madiba. I remember it being both exiting and scary to be in the midst of the thronging crowds. I won't forget that day.