First impressions of GRAAFF-REINET - Oldest town in Eastern Cape, South Africa
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- Hi everyone! In this episode, I visit the town of Graaff-Reinet (alternative spelling: Graaff Reinet) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is one of the oldest towns in the country and the oldest town in the Eastern Cape. The distance from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) is c. 225km and to Cape Town c. 670km.
Carrying no map but lots of enthusiasm, the vlog starts with me interacting with some locals, asking them what to see in their town. They point me to the church and other attractions, including a museum (which I'm not sure I eventually found, unless they referred to Reinet House!).
Our first visit is to the Dutch Reformed Church, named "Groote Kerk" or "Grootkerk" (Afrikaans for "Big Church"). Apparently, Salisbury Cathedral served as an inspiration for the architecture of this beautiful building. I also enter the church and learn more about its features and history.
After the church visit, I stroll around town, and stumble across a square with a War Memorial monument. I then visit Bourke Street and find a shop that sells all kinds of South African branded products - a true reminder of my childhood! I could not resist buying some sweets I devoured as a kid and try them again after all these years...how will this go down? Make sure not to miss this part of the vlog!
I then stroll more in Bourke Street and notice some beautiful houses with impressive gardens and other architecture. I also talk more about the history of the town and where its name stems from. In Parliament Street, I also interact with some workers and talk about the Graaff-Reinet republic of the late 18th century.
I pass the Drostdy House en route to Parsonage Street, where I see more Dutch Colonial architecture and briefly talk about Graaff-Reinet's role in the Great Trek of the 19th century. I also see the exterior of the John Rupert Theatre and Reinet House (or "Reinethuis").
Following my visit to this part of town, I explore some of the shops near Bourke Street and see what merchandise the town has on offer. I also make a quick stop to Donkin Street, where I mention and interesting story about Donkin and find a monument dedicated to the Anglo Boer War.
In the final part of the vlog, I explore more of the central business district of Graaff-Reinet, in particular the shops and areas around Caledon Street.
I hope you enjoy this visit to Graaff-Reinet! Let me know what you think of the town. Also, please remember to LIKE this video and please SUBSCRIBE to the channel if you haven't already.
Happy exploring!
Willie
Graaf Reinet is, indeed, one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa. The people are friendly, helpful, and courteous. The town is safe -- especially compared to the big cities in South Africa. It is a pity that more foreign tourists don't discover this gem.
Cheers for watching and leaving a comment Billy! It took me decades to visit this beautiful town too and I'm South African. I hope this series of videos of the Karoo I'm making will show others the beauty of areas off the beaten track, away from the cities. We don't all live behind massive security gates!
@@willieexplore I only saw the Karoo for the first time this summer. You are showing us many of the towns that I saw for the first time. This is really a thrill for me to have your videos to show my friends. I love South Africa, despite the mismanagement, "load shedding", etc. But seeing the best of South Africa -- as in any other country -- requires that people get out of the big cities. I would be ashamed for anyone to judge the U.K. or U.S. solely after visiting London, New York, or Los Angeles. Likewise, it would be a shame for people to think that a trip to South Africa means a week in Joburg. These places you're showing us in the Karoo are so beautifully preserved, so unique, and it is so uplifting and humbling to walk down the streets where everyone greats you with "More, meneer". There are too many lekker places in South Africa to stay in the big cities! Thank you sincerely!
@@billyungen You are most welcome! Really glad you're enjoying these videos! And you are 100% correct - the real magic of a country often happens outside the cities. Friendly locals greeting you makes a huge difference to your mood and your overall experience of a place.
Great video as always Willie. Thanks for taking us all along on your trips!
My absolute pleasure! Thanks for exploring with me virtually! :)
Stayed there two nights on my way home to Joburg on an epic road trip through the country, and graaf reinet was a lovely break with wifey getting happy at the shops and my son picked up some tin pics of old SANDF aircraft, and wifey leather stuff from the corner leather store. A fun little break on the way home. The Drostdy hotel was also nice to stay at and right by the stores. It's so cool that when you're crossing the road, all the dudes driving their bakkies, give you a nod.
Thanks for sharing those stories, SexyLawyer! Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!
Willie ek is mal oor Graaaf Reinet die wonderlike mense en mooi plekke. Daar is ook wonderlike oudhede om te koop! Groete uit Lima Peru!
Verseker Tosca! Dit was my eerste keer daar en ek het dit regtig geniet. 'n Ware juweel!
Looks lovely and clean and full of friendly people! I'll avoid that last street if i ever find myself in the area😅
Cheers for watching and engaging, Jackie! I had a great time in this beautiful town, despite the last interaction. Yep, good idea to avoid that part of town!
I love the place i stay a hour from there in Middelburg . i never forget the first time to drive in Graaf Renet and the kerk in the middel of the town it feel like home
That church is a special experience. Thanks for watching and supporting my channel!
Hey Willie awesome place man you nailed it again these old buildings got so much character and life seems so laid back and relaxed it's my type of a place .
How cold does it get here during winter ?
Cheers my man, really pleased to hear from you, as always! Thanks for your wonderful support. In the winter the average high is low to mid twenties (Celsius) and the average low is low single digits. So reasonably mild. The summers can be hot :)
Hi Willie, this town is very beautiful! You really could spend hours looking around. I love the gothic style so I think "Groote Kerk" is stunning. I assume your tongue matched your top and your new sunnies after eating that candy! Everyone was so friendly until the charmer at the end. Is there a part 2?!
Cheers Sheila! It really is a fantastic town to explore. That specific church is quite renowned in South Africa, so it was great to see it. I loved walking in the neighbourhoods and was very impressed with the gardening skills of the locals! I'll tell you what - a blue tongue was worth it for that throwback to my childhood! No part two on Graaff-Reinet unfortunately but still a few more towns in the Karoo coming soon :)
@@willieexplore ah, I thought it was a deliberate cliffhanger at the end haha
So impressive looking at the fine detail on the old beautiful buildings here, and thinking how far the builders had to travel for building materials and on very rough roads.
Absolutely, Lesley! We often forget the blood, sweat and tears involved in the construction of towns. Thanks for watching!
You know guys l was born and raised in GRT and I decided to go back after many years. The city and its violence is getting to much. In my home town all you get is silence and happiness lots of love. Yes I am going back home 😍💖💖
There are definitely some great places in South Africa and this part of the Karoo really left a lasting impression on me. Good for you if you decide to move back!
Willie awesome video thanks for showing this very interesting story plus scenery there nice organised. Are you showing more place in south Africa and plenty of more factored things and doing activies when roaming around thanks! One more question please is south Africa cheaper for essential things?
Thanks as always Simon! Yes I'll put up more videos about South African town in due course so watch out for those. Cost of living definitely lower in South Africa and most essential goods are cheaper than in the UK.
@@willieexplore would you cover it in any forgoing videos?
@@mayousimon1 not in a specific video but I do / will reference the cost of goods / accommodation where relevant
Yaa man you bringing back all the memories
So glad you're enjoying these! Appreciate the support!
@@willieexplore you welcome bro I will support your channel
Great video
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and I value your support!
Really enjoyed this! It has a special place in my heart. The abrupt ending to the video eish, the bad side of town there
Cheers for watching! I had a really nice time in the town despite the ending :)
Reminds me a bit of Grahamstown. I loved every minute of this video. You got yourself a new subscriber!
Thank you so much for your support and your kind words, much appreciated! Hope my channel will bring you a lot of joy
@@willieexplore I'm sure it will! Thanks for the great content! All the best!
I just stumbled onto this vid lol. Greetings from graaff 😂
Lekker lekker! Appreciate the support!
Thnx fr visiting our town...
I had such a great time! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, it really means a lot
Love your channel man! Will be travelling to South Africa in December, Johannesburg and Durban. Do I need vaccines for that, coming from the Uk?
Thank you very much, really pleased that you enjoy my content and I'm grateful for the support! You don't need proof of the Covid vaccine to enter SA at current. If you are travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is present (not the UK though), you might need to present a Yellow Fever certificate at the border. As for other standard vaccines, I'd recommend ensuring they are up to date. Hope this helps!
@@willieexplore Thanks man! Appreciate your help!
Same of this shop i same how mis so i have to go soon for a visit
A great place visit!
It doesn't look much like Salisbury Cathedral to me but I'm not an architect, however, when I walked round that Cathedral I came across a display cabinet. Looking into it I saw the Magna Carta., from 1215, one of the only 4 original signed copies. I had no idea that it existed and it was still shown in the church, with no barbed wire and armed guards protecting it. The first statement of Human Rights, from which developed our system of Government and our understanding of Government that wasn't derived from the barrel of a gun, or in those days, I guess, from the blade of a sword. I was overcome. Would that Die Grootkerk in Graaff - Reinet held such a document, our history in South Africa may well have been a happier one.
Thanks for sharing that story, David! Must have been insane to see the Magna Carta. Appreciate you checking out my content too!
@@willieexplore I saw your review of Matjiesfontein. I've been through it often, always wanted to stay at the Lord Milner but have always been in too much of a hurry!!
Look at Oudtshoorns church. Just as beautiful
I've heard good things, Jeanette. Hope to visit at some point. Thanks for watching, engaging and supporting my channel :)
My family's street names. "Auret street and Smuts street
Very good! :)
Hi Willie what happened end the end with those guys on the corner ? I see you had to cut the vlog.
Hi Wayne yes unfortunately that was not the best situation to find myself in, had to walk away
@willieexplore Yes you should be careful brother especially in some dodgy areas 🙏
Went to the wrong part of town at the last minute of the vid living in Graaff-Reinet for 14 years now
Yes that was a tricky situation! Thanks for watching :)
when i was a kid i would consume a sherbet with a straw
Yes! A small plastic one often came with the packet, I seem to remember. Thanks for watching!
I mean just look at the architecture and building skills for 1887, that's wat the boere ancestors did, that building will stand for another 500 years plus. Nowadays they can't build something without it collapsing at any point.
You certainly have to admire the designs, especially considering the technology at the time. Thanks for watching and supporting my channel!
Hi. Waar in die Noordkaap is jy van?
Hallo Johan, ek woon nou in Engeland maar het skoolgegaan in Kimberley en Upington. Dankie dat jy my video gekyk het :)
OMO haha interesting I use
In Ethiopia still
Thank you very much your interesting video I know well South African but no eastern cape , watching you from Israel 🇮🇱
I will live explore this part of South Africa East cape ❤🔯✡️I was wondering in church I saw symbols of Jewish Star of David or something thing common 🕎🔯✡️hope u can guide me when I come back in 2024❤🤙🏿🙏🤙🏿🙏
Hi there! Thank you so much for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it! Haha I didn't know you also use OMO in Ethiopia, that is really cool :) The Eastern Cape is not an area I am familiar with either, so it was great to visit this historic town. As for the church symbols, I'm not entirely sure, but this was a Dutch Reformed Church (Protestant).