Thursday 2nd March 2023
Val
It's described a small village that doesn't have a church but that's a stricter rule in Britain than in South Africa. This tiny town has it's own post code which is a big deal (I think?) At the beginning of the 20th century, it had it's own station, hotel and shops. At the beginning of the 21st century it has a lovely hotel, passionately owned and run by Rita Britz and supported by her husband Johan.
I'd first read about the place in a travel blog called '2 Summers' and I was intrigued. I put it on my mental bucket list because it's kind of out of the way of anywhere that I was heading, until this week when I was in Heidelberg. I booked for one night and after 5 minutes of chatting with Rita, she insisted I stay another night 'on the house'. She was so informative and passionate that I was soaked with endorphins.
I slept well in the huge high bed and joined Rita on her 7am walk. Her dogs were eager to get going and they led the way. We were a little pressed for time as she was being interviewed 'live' on Radio RSG, so we said good morning to the dog-wary cows and she told me her story about her landing here on this bit of the planet.
Her and her husband bought the run down hotel in 1994 on auction and set to work renovating and recovering the buildings. You can read all about it here. It's not for everyone as there's nothing 'official' to do, and no TVs which was a problem for a previous client. Rita sent him lovingly on his way to the casino near Secunda.
I walked, ate, skitted and drove to a nearby monument, which I still need to edit, but Katryn Kwarrentyn is ready for you here, if you like.
Oops, now loadshedding just kicked in before I posted this!
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