Sunday 5 December – Cape Town to Gatwick
Sofitel entrance 
My cell
Any impression of a grand entrance was soon dispelled by the sight of dozens of bored security guards dispersed throughout the hotel. They even handled the registration paperwork which included our selecting every meal in advance for the next 7 days from a limited menu. Finally made it to the reception desk where the only apparent hotel staff member issued me with my key. Then was escorted individually to my room along corridors where at at least two guards were seated at each level to ensure that no-one exited their cell without prior authorisation and accompaniment. The entire place had been transformed into a secure “prison” housing over 500 people totally isolated except for a brief walk in the car park (special request only) while accompanied by a dedicated security guard. I kid you not.
It was therefore no small surprise when I woke up on Monday morning with a decided sense of alarm and claustrophobia…….