S1 - Ep 458 - Bloemfontein, Free State!

Our adventure began in my hometown, Bloemfontein, nestled in the heart of the Free State. It was a nostalgic trip, revisiting the familiar sights of my school, Brebner High School, and marvelling at the timeless beauty of the sandstone architecture in the bustling city centre. Venturing up Naval Hill, we were treated to breathtaking views of natural splendour and panoramic vistas. The Women's Monument left an indelible mark, its poignant reminders of the sacrifices made in the history of our country, juxtaposed against the enduring grace of its preservation. Amidst cherished moments with loved ones, our time in Bloemfontein was truly unforgettable.
Accommodation in this episode was provided by:
Cachet Corner
Janine van Niekerk
083-306-8233
cachetcorner@gmail.com
#DustBugs #adventure #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #bloemfontein #freestate
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Пікірлер: 102

  • @LeratoShebe
    @LeratoShebe2 ай бұрын

    I'm from Bloemfontein and I love that people get to see how Beautiful Bloemfontein is ..thank you

  • @joannemoore1729
    @joannemoore17292 ай бұрын

    As soon as I got home from grocery shopping, I clicked on You Tube to watch the latest from Sonia and Curtis. This is so much to see in Curtis’ home town. The most moving was the tour of the Women’s Memorial Museum. I was shocked to see that over 51,000 died. 😢

  • @unimatrixzero7745
    @unimatrixzero77452 ай бұрын

    I used to live in Blom at some point in my life. I will always love this place.

  • @mrvipworlwide2269
    @mrvipworlwide22692 ай бұрын

    Hi Curtis & Sonja. I missed you guys!! You both deserve a Docu on Netflix. Great Episode as always

  • @beryl9538
    @beryl95382 ай бұрын

    Welcome back Sonja and Curtis. I have never clicked on something so fast. ❤

  • @beryl9538
    @beryl95382 ай бұрын

    Bloemfontein has some astonishing historical buildings. As for the beautiful trees absolutely breadth taking. Thank you so much. Highly appreciated.

  • @user-un5rv2fr5i
    @user-un5rv2fr5i2 ай бұрын

    Curtis, I felt the emotion in your commentary of the museum which featured Emily Hobhouse , much respect my friend, I will be going to see it myself soon, it is such a beautiful city with such a rich heritage and I am amazed that so much exists still as you remembered it. I am so glad you guys are back on KZread 😎

  • @chyduispelser1022
    @chyduispelser10222 ай бұрын

    I'm on holiday in Strand CPT for a few days and I live in Bloemfontein. Watching this video made me want to pack up and fly back home much earlier 😂 thanks for the video of my hometown!

  • @axelmertens7762
    @axelmertens77622 ай бұрын

    What can I say but BRILLIANT ! I am back in NZ but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to SA! All the friends and those that aren't with us anymore! Stayed in Muzenburg saw my mum at 93 years everyday and visited many places such as Struisbaai, Fransbaai, Gansbaai, in fact all the places towards Cape Town! Stayed in Greyton visited Genadendal and thoroughly enjoyed it! Walked barefoot and ate skaap nek with a pocket knife! Visited JHB and went to the Hartebeespoort dam etc. and saw my beloved Magaliesburg! Walked with elephant and had my fish & chups! Cried when the plane left the African soil! Will always watch your videos of small town SA! Thank you so much for the privilege Sonia and Curtis !

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    It certainly sounds like you had an incredible time in our beautiful country and packed quite a bit into your time here! Thank you for sharing some of the highlights with us. 😍🇿🇦 We look forward to sharing with you the places we got to visit on this trip. 🚙😁

  • @johndavids6007
    @johndavids60072 ай бұрын

    Hi guy's I am very happy you are back on road again. Now we can see places

  • @refilwek2450
    @refilwek24502 ай бұрын

    My home town now i am really home sick❤

  • @yvonnecoetzee3508
    @yvonnecoetzee35082 ай бұрын

    Hello hello hello, it is wonderful to have you back on the road again taking us to these beautiful places in our country of South Africa

  • @dawnbarnes1361
    @dawnbarnes13612 ай бұрын

    Hello, Hello, Helloooo 😅 So glad you are both well and on the road again! Yahooo 🎉 I still have to watch this video 👍💚💙🩵❤️

  • @emilyrakhetsi8652
    @emilyrakhetsi86522 ай бұрын

    Iyo the sky is so blue 💙 😍 😩

  • @tillabezuidenhout6460
    @tillabezuidenhout64602 ай бұрын

    Bloemfontein is beautiful!!!!

  • @dawnbarnes1361
    @dawnbarnes13612 ай бұрын

    I was wondering why I was feeling down in the dumps, now I know why! I was missing you guys !!! 😍

  • @user-se3we1et5o
    @user-se3we1et5o2 ай бұрын

    Greetings! Great having you back on the road again. With all the tragedy going down in the world right now, your visit to the "Vroue Monument" just echoed the futility of war in my mind. Yet we continue to follow the same path over and over and over again. Will we never learn from our mistakes ..... Enjoy your journey. Godspeed.

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    Yup, those were exactly our thoughts as we drove out of the grounds. We were actually so deep in thought that we didn't say a word. I only realised this while I was editing. Greed and power drive the conflict and countless innocent lives are lost in these completely senseless wars. 🤷🏻‍♂️😢

  • @annacassisa9151
    @annacassisa91512 ай бұрын

    A VERY WELCOME TO THE 2 OF MY FAV PEOPLE, SO GLAD TO HEAR YOUR VOICES AGAIN. GOD BLESS. AND SAFE TRAVELS.

  • @lee-anneadams9222
    @lee-anneadams92222 ай бұрын

    Yesss, on the road again!!!! Welcome back Curtis Sonia and Dusty ❤ 🥾

  • @ChristianClass64
    @ChristianClass642 ай бұрын

    Yesss the best road videos makers in South Africa are finally back ! 🖼🏜🌄👏👍

  • @charlietreston4035
    @charlietreston40352 ай бұрын

    Hi guys great to be back on the road again wonderful to be able to travel down memorie lane really impressed with Bloemfontein navel Hill was mind blowing game reserve in town the museum amazing enjoyed every minute as always thanks for taking me along cheerio till the next one

  • @bloembloem7820
    @bloembloem78202 ай бұрын

    Julle is twee goeie mense! Dankie dat julle die Oorlog en Vroue Monument kom wys

  • @mk-xq1tt
    @mk-xq1tt2 ай бұрын

    Lovely episode.

  • @user-wk4po9tg9f
    @user-wk4po9tg9f2 ай бұрын

    Hi you guys. Wow what a wonderfull experience to see Bloemfontein and share in your trip down memory lane Curtis. Looking forward to the next episode. God bless. Safe travels 😊😊

  • @rosemarymoolman6765
    @rosemarymoolman67652 ай бұрын

    Welcome back, really missed you two. I loved all the historical buildings, especially the "Vroue Monument". So heartbreaking. I have never been inside Bloemfontein. It's a huge city. I loved your sentimental journey Curtis.

  • @Huvers
    @Huvers2 ай бұрын

    Dit was 'n uitstekende episode! Ek het baie geniet van die Boeroorlog museum. Groetnis

  • @hermanlochenberg6397
    @hermanlochenberg63972 ай бұрын

    Last and only time when i was at Bloemfontein railway station was somewhere i think in the late 1960's when the army took us by train ( troepe trein ) to Bloem and we were picked up with Bedford trucks and taken to the Military camp. Many moons ago.

  • @mariusroos
    @mariusroos2 ай бұрын

    Indeed a dynamic city. So much to see. Thank you for showing us so much about it. Next one i am there

  • @angieswartz4676
    @angieswartz46762 ай бұрын

    Welcome back Curtis & Sonja. 😊 Yay 😊 So appreciate the travels you share. Thank you 😊

  • @theexperimentalcqdx4208
    @theexperimentalcqdx42082 ай бұрын

    Lovely you're back again we missed you both

  • @brianwilkinson2715
    @brianwilkinson2715Ай бұрын

    The visit to the Anglo Boer War Museum was a mind blower. Absolutely magnificent. Your travels have developed a must read of the books on the Boer War which your documentaries have drawn me to. This clip on Bloemfontein was magnificent and the visit to your school was an emotional one. Since I discovered Dust Bugs a week ago I must have watched over Twenty Dust Bug Travel clips so far. Thank You to both of you. They are brilliant !!!!!!! God Bless.

  • @1812nico
    @1812nico2 ай бұрын

    Hi you two! Welcome back! I thought it was never going to happen. Your Bloemfontein trip kept me spellbound with the monuments, the spectacular views, the High School and the old city itself. I'm happy Curtis, that you could spend this time in your hometown with all the nostalgy going with it. I'll be with you next time! Keep safe!

  • @user-un5rv2fr5i
    @user-un5rv2fr5i2 ай бұрын

    So glad to see you guys back, really missed the content❤

  • @robmulhall
    @robmulhall2 ай бұрын

    My wife and I are from Ireland and lived in Bloem around 25 years ago, living very near to Brebner. We re-visited friends there over the same weekend as you! Since my time there I have loved Bloemfontein and was thrilled to see the video of your trip.

  • @deonzar
    @deonzar2 ай бұрын

    Welcome back! So nice to see you guys on the road again! Now the fun has started.

  • @windsorliu
    @windsorliu2 ай бұрын

    My hometown. I’m so surprised it’s so clean

  • @kilimanjarobottom_up941

    @kilimanjarobottom_up941

    2 ай бұрын

    It must have been an exceptional day, especially around the train station. The entire town is dirty as hell

  • @annawitter5161
    @annawitter51612 ай бұрын

    Hullo ooooh!! So nice to see you back. And Bloemfontein! What treat . Many happy memories of family holiday there. we would drive through Bloemfontein on our way to Mazelspoort. Eeufeesweg was one road we took, and put in petrol at Bayswater garage. Up Gnrl Dan Pienaar drive to Emily Hobhouse square to buy bread at the bakery and get groceries at the supermarket. Then off to Mazelspoort by the Modderrivier. And we were tired after the long haul. Also happy memories of Naval Hill and Franklin game reserve. We would have a view of the shunting yards and in those days there were still steam locomotives. So many beautiful old buildings, many look familiar. So pleased you took in the Vrouemonument. I loved Emily Hobhouse since i did a project on her in std 7 I hated school so much. Can't imagine going back to see my old school.It must be a joy to have the happy memories. Thank you for a beautiful nostalgic visit ❤❤❤

  • @stephenmeintjes3319
    @stephenmeintjes33192 ай бұрын

    Welcome back, missed you guys.Looking forward to some wonderful adventures.

  • @renewittstock171
    @renewittstock1712 ай бұрын

    Yay🎉 great to see you back. Safe travels where ever you are off too.

  • @user-nx3ie1rh7p
    @user-nx3ie1rh7p2 ай бұрын

    Hi Sonja and Curtis, I have started watching your channel on KZread and came across the video you have of Bloemfontein. I not only grew up in Bloemfontein( Estoire) but also went to school at Brebner. I left Bloemfontein when my parents moved to Bergville in KZN in 1968 and then to Cape Town in 1971. Love your channel and thanks for bringing back all those wonderful memories.

  • @dionesportswear

    @dionesportswear

    2 ай бұрын

    You need to come and see Estoire it's growing

  • @terrencelowery7524
    @terrencelowery7524Ай бұрын

    Wow I am 45yr old south African. I did not know of the Anglo boer war museum. In Bloemfontein thank you for sharing. I must visit Bloemfontein.

  • @sharonmeier7688
    @sharonmeier76882 ай бұрын

    Thank you for LOVELY trip to Bloem. The museum is wow. I learnt all that in Social Studies. Giving away my age.!! Pity my grandchildren don't learn about the past!! The Zoo, I am remembering going to the Zoo and riding the elephant!! lots of fond memories I have of Bloem. My grandparents lived in flats in Zastron Stree!!

  • @sweersable
    @sweersable2 ай бұрын

    Welcome back!!!

  • @user-un5rv2fr5i
    @user-un5rv2fr5i2 ай бұрын

    So glad to see you guys back ❤

  • @moketegordon475
    @moketegordon4752 ай бұрын

    Thank you for coming to see our beautiful town❤❤❤

  • @user-ly7dt8ky2n
    @user-ly7dt8ky2n2 ай бұрын

    We are from Bloemfontein ..thank you for visiting our city.. wish we could meet you and have a nice coffee together. Thanks for stunning channel..we enjoy travelling with you, Curtis and Sonia

  • @annacassisa9151
    @annacassisa91512 ай бұрын

    LIKE TO SAY , YOU HAVE LET ME FALL INLOVE WITH BLOEMFONTEIN THANKU AGAIN

  • @ajlau8975
    @ajlau89752 ай бұрын

    How excellent to go back and visit familiar and friendly confines. I've never been that far east in ZA. Hope to, one day.

  • @dodiendalgety8908
    @dodiendalgety89082 ай бұрын

    Awesome, thanks. Guys, missed you

  • @deborahclarke8107
    @deborahclarke81072 ай бұрын

    So glad to have you back 💞 Such a beautiful city, My Grandfather was born there as was my father. They moved to the uk but my grandfather still had sisters there and visited them back in the 50's. your video really me gave me a feel of the place, one day I'd love to see for myself! Thank you both! 💕💕💕💕

  • @vonrecht1236
    @vonrecht12362 ай бұрын

    Greetings from the UK. Attended Grey College in the late fifties...enjoyed living in Bloem. No sign now on GE of the houses of our neighbourhood in Henry Street...Happy Days.

  • @internationalnici6328
    @internationalnici63282 ай бұрын

    Love making the acquaintance of Dusty!... I'm watching from eastern Pennsylvania, USA..but Cape Town born and bred... love to see the little dorpies you guys visit

  • @terrimeyer3815
    @terrimeyer38152 ай бұрын

    I never guess you were going to Bloem......lol We used to take a drive on a Sunday taking photos of these gorgeous buildings. Welcome back you two ❤❤

  • @HannesWilken-zg2xg
    @HannesWilken-zg2xg2 ай бұрын

    Thank you for visiting our city of roses next time we would like to enyoy a coffee with you. Thanks for a stunning CHANNEL. We love to watch your videos. LENIE AND HANNES

  • @frederikbrits9559
    @frederikbrits95592 ай бұрын

    Great video guys.....first two owners of farm Bloemfontein was R.M BRITS and then his cousin J.N. BRITS

  • @majbudricks5404
    @majbudricks54042 ай бұрын

    Visited my Late Brother Gammy once a month -enjoyed every visit his friends became my friends -City of Roses

  • @hermanlochenberg6397
    @hermanlochenberg63972 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the beautiful footage. Must say me and Jenny often go to Bloemfontein for work because Jenny does learner evaluations for the W&R Seta. But we are always racing against time and don't see the actual beauty of the city. Looks different now. ❤

  • @hermanlochenberg6397
    @hermanlochenberg63972 ай бұрын

    I remember now it was in 1967 for my 1 st 3 week camp because i did my basic training and finished my 9 months in 1966. I was in the last intake that did 9 months in the army. The intake there after was 1 year in the army.

  • @eurafrican85
    @eurafrican852 ай бұрын

    Sjoe ek verlang terug Bloemfontein toe. Sal enige tyd terugtrek as ek kan. Dankie vir die mooi video met pragtige herinneringe

  • @terrimeyer3815
    @terrimeyer38152 ай бұрын

    WHOOP whoop 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉WHOOP

  • @Hongaars1969
    @Hongaars19692 ай бұрын

    I’ve recently come across your channel. Admittedly have never been to Bloemfontein and was impressed by your video. It’s the kind of place where I would be tempted to do a walking tour. (In 2021, I did walking tours of both central Joburg and Pretoria and oddly felt safer in Joburg than in Pretoria - I grew up in the latter and was shocked at the poverty and decay).

  • @eurafrican85
    @eurafrican85Ай бұрын

    You inspired me to go and look fro giraffes on Naval Hill on my visit to Bloem last week. Guess what. I saw them right there by the planetarium. Thanks Sonja and Curtis

  • @user-nx3ie1rh7p
    @user-nx3ie1rh7p2 ай бұрын

    O yes Sonja, one thing I forgot to say, to coin a phrase is ' I LOVE IT. ''

  • @ChristopherReichert-km2ww
    @ChristopherReichert-km2ww2 ай бұрын

    The women's memorial to those who lost their lives in the Anglo Boer war was the best part for me. Nevertheless it was sad to see virtually no other visitors to it. This is understandable I suppose, yet so very sad. Loved the cheerful man at the entrance to the site. Was there a fee to pay to visit the site? On a completely different note, I nearly died from the cold as a hitchhiker on the outskirts of the city in June 1972 going north. I was dropped there around 1 a.m. and a few hours later when I got a lift I needed about an hour to thaw out in a heated car. I've driven through Bloemfontein several times in later years and Eufees drive/road rings a bell as one of the off ramps. Fancy having lived in the city and not remembering the Town Hall, Curtis! Tut-Tut!

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    The National Women's Monument was certainly one of the highlights for us as well. 🏛️ There is no entry fee payable at the gate, but we paid R30 at the War Museum. I wish I were into old and historical buildings when I lived in the city as a youngster, but I had other interests, so didn't give them a second glance back then. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I'm a few years older, and wiser, now.

  • @Hongaars1969
    @Hongaars19692 ай бұрын

    Additionally - the city centre seems clean. Don’t know were you filming on a weekend or a public holiday day but you captured everything beautifully

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    Welcome on board! 🚙😁 We arrived in the city on a Friday and the bulk of our video was filmed on a Saturday. We also found the city very clean and the sandstone buildings absolutely gorgeous!

  • @davenewbitt
    @davenewbitt2 ай бұрын

    Bloem is looking great. It's good to have you back, it's a shame you have chosen work over going on road trips, it's so terrible of you having to go and make a living, whilst the rest of us wait for your next video, you have to think of others, shame man. 😉

  • @toscabrutus1781
    @toscabrutus1781Ай бұрын

    Bloemfontein is interessant en Mooi! Groete uit Lima Peru

  • @bloembloem7820
    @bloembloem78202 ай бұрын

    Die hoofstad van vorige Republiek. Republiek van dié Oranje Vrystaat.

  • @emileheusd2958
    @emileheusd29582 ай бұрын

    Great to hear from you Curtis and Sonja. Just completed snow clearing and discovered a pleasant surprise, your trip to Bloem I could kick myself for not visiting the Vroue Monument before leaving SA. My Grandmother who was a residential school victim after the Anglo Boer war will turn in her grave if she new I had to swore allegiance to the British crown to become a citizen in my present country. I really appreciate the info and detail of your visit to Bloem specially the Monument. I see the car you are using has a GP license plate. Does that mean visits to the old Transvaal towns. Best regards

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    The National Women's monument is a very impactful place and I'm glad we could share it with you. 🏛 Our rental car indeed had a GP license plate this time around, but we didn't get as far North as the old Transvaal on this trip. We'll need more than ten days for that! 🚙😁 Stay warm!

  • @hermanlochenberg6397
    @hermanlochenberg63972 ай бұрын

    I believe the watches those days were Lanco watches. Just because most kids those days had Lanco whatches we as kids believed that they were the best watches.

  • @marktintinger7492
    @marktintinger74922 ай бұрын

    Cannot take photos of the station buildings, google maps has some lovely photos of the station, whats with that big headed security guard?😮

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    We don't get it either! 🤷🏻‍♂️ Anyone can take pics of the station from the road, but luckily we were pretty much done when they told us and about to head out anyway.

  • @joaquimmanuelpereirafernan9655
    @joaquimmanuelpereirafernan9655Ай бұрын

    I lived in Bloemfontein a time.

  • @Helgardt6189
    @Helgardt61892 ай бұрын

    Any other trips or towns you will visit in the Free State ?

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    We were on the road for ten days, so we visited many more places, which we'll share with you over the next few weeks. 🚙😁

  • @samsonkjoseph6087
    @samsonkjoseph60872 ай бұрын

    Baie uiters dankbaar

  • @susannaemmerich1166
    @susannaemmerich11662 ай бұрын

    🙃👍🙏🎶🎶💕🇿🇦

  • @funkdunk
    @funkdunk2 ай бұрын

    I see that Cachet Corner is situated in one of my favorite parts of Bloem. I have to admit that I have always had to the desire to go and live there, there is something about that place, the atmosphere, that one doesn't find anywhere else, its as if you arrive, you already belong. Its hard to describe,however its a sense of belonging, not merely visiting. I only really know the road to the airport, the Loch Logan vicinity, Nelson Mandela Drive and Langenhoven Park, through your lense I saw much more and through your story telling I too yearn to return. The grounds of the musuem are in excellent condition and the museum itself is crammed with interesting information and displays, I never knew of it before, however on my return I will be visiting. This episode has done so much for Bloemfontein...

  • @tonyrichards9794
    @tonyrichards97942 ай бұрын

    What's the best shopping mall in Bloemfontein?

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    I left Bloemfontein 38 years ago and shopping was the last thing on my mind back then and still is today. I really have no idea, but I'm sure there must be many shopping centres and malls because of the size of the city. 🏤🛒

  • @user-tv9ph6wl2l
    @user-tv9ph6wl2l2 ай бұрын

    Sorry to correct you it,s franskraal

  • @tonyrichards9794
    @tonyrichards97942 ай бұрын

    Does it snow in Bloemfontein?

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    In the 15 years I lived in Bloemfontein as a youngster, we experienced very light snowfall only one time. 🌨️

  • @user-nx3ie1rh7p

    @user-nx3ie1rh7p

    2 ай бұрын

    @@DustBugsTravelIt snowed in Bloemfontein in 1964 which meant we could not get to school for four days but then we had to go to school on the Saturday for the next 3 weeks to make up for lost time

  • @user-tv9ph6wl2l
    @user-tv9ph6wl2l2 ай бұрын

    Why there so much pothole,s in the road,s

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    Quite simply because national, local and provincial authorities are mostly corrupt and don't ensure that the monies are spent the way they should be and the roads are neglected as a result. 🤷🏻‍♂️🛣️

  • @pjaq3862
    @pjaq38622 ай бұрын

    Sonja reveal at 30000 subscriptions

  • @miamdu5888
    @miamdu58882 ай бұрын

    Why is Sonja always stay in the car. I am asking with alot of respect..... ❤

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    Sonia is fully-mobile, but has very serious knee issues, so it's more comfortable for her to stay in the car than to get in and out all the time. 🥰

  • @miamdu5888

    @miamdu5888

    2 ай бұрын

    @@DustBugsTravel Thank you for your response. I was so afraid to ask because personal questions might look intrusive or disrespectful. I just wanted to know why she is willingly missing out on some of the scenery watch you all the time and enjoy seeing your version of the towns we visited and also places we have not seen. We also travel but only post on Instagram. Thank you for visiting Bultfontein. That's our hometown. See you on the road!

  • @juanetteoosthuysen6600
    @juanetteoosthuysen66002 ай бұрын

    I am disappointed. If you say you grew up in Bloemfontein and you do not know what the old buildings are.

  • @deonellis8577
    @deonellis85772 ай бұрын

    "good homes for all the animals..." They're all dead. They died of starvation; the municipality couldn't keep up the bills. Luckily you didn't take her to the "vliegveldjie" called Bloemfontein Airport

  • @DustBugsTravel

    @DustBugsTravel

    2 ай бұрын

    I am well aware that Bloemfontein, like every other place on this planet which we're slowly destroying, has its faults, failings and imperfections. I wasn't going to taint our visit to my beloved childhood city by focusing on the negatives though. There would've simply been no point. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  • @naughtydesigora
    @naughtydesigora2 ай бұрын

    Lekka Vrystaat