Abstract:
OPSOMMING: Die fenomeen van pelgrimstogte aanvanklik as religieuse reise maar
later as toeriste ervarings word bespreek. Die klem is op literêre
toerisme of literêre pelgrimstogte wat mense onderneem deur die
voetspore van ’n bepaalde outeur te volg in die skryf van sy/haar boek.
In hierdie geval word die outobiografie van Nelson Mandela se “Long
walk to freedom” (1994) – te ondersoek. Empiriese veldwerk is in Junie
2004 onder volwasse besoekers aan Robbeneiland gedoen en toon dat
61% hul besoek as ’n pelgrimstog beskou - ’n soeke na iets dieper of
anders in die lewe; met 34% wat dit nie so ervaar het nie; en met 5%
geen respons.
ABSTRACT: The phenomenon of pilgrimages, initially as religious journeys but later
as touristic experiences, is discussed. The focus is on literary tourism or
“literary pilgrimages” that people undertake following the footsteps of a
particular author in the writing of his/her book. In this case the
autobiography of Nelson Mandela, “Long walk to freedom” (1994) is
investigated. Empirical fieldwork done in June 2004 amongst adult
visitors to Robben Island indicated that 61% regarded their visit as a
pilgrimage, as a search for something deeper and different in life, while
34% did not, with 5% not responding.
