S1 - Ep 323 - Alexandria - The Second Largest Chicory Factory Worldwide!

During our visit to Alexandria, we were filled with excitement to finally explore this road and town that we had passed through several times in the past without stopping. Our first stop was Nanaga Farm Stall, a familiar spot for quick snacks. We were pleasantly surprised to witness its remarkable expansion. Despite the changes, the droёwors (dried sausage) remained as delicious as ever. Continuing on our journey, we discovered that Alexandria boasted the second largest chicory factory worldwide. As we drove by, the sheer scale of the facility was awe-inspiring. Additionally, the town itself impressed us with its cleanliness and tidiness, a refreshing sight to behold. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #easterncape #alexandria #chicory #nanaga
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[@annawitter5161]

Time to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy my Dustbug friends!The countryside is so beautiful. What a beautiful old building the Dutch reformed Church is. Love all those huge old trees, especially the one with its guts hanging out. Love all the ole buildings too. Its so special that you guys stop to check out the things that really matter. So sad when you think about what happened to all those elephants hey! Chicory is probably healthier than coffee, but I still prefer my boeretroos! How sad and deserted the old station looks in the evening light.

[@DustBugsTravel]

How cool that you relax with us, I love that! 😁🍷 The trees and both churches in Alexandria were incredible. 🌳💒 The thought of 200 000 elephants roaming the area and now the ones that are left are confined to a much smaller space, saddens us too greatly! 😢🐘 I also thought the time of day made the old station look a tad sad, but the good thing is that the buildings still stand and we don't always see that! 🚙🛤️

[@annawitter5161]

@@DustBugsTravel Ja, dis net so goed ek kuier by julle en ry saam

[@deonzar]

Wow...what a big "farm stall"...and a nice clean town. Now I also know a bit about Alexandria..

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yup, Nanaga means business! And they clearly do a lot of business, the place is huge now! Well worth a visit though if you ever drive past there. 🚙👌🏻 Alexandria was a little bit of a revelation to us away from the main road. It was great to visit! 😁

[@funkdunk]

Great episode and definitely a totally new part of SA that I have never visited. A clean town packed with plenty of interesting things to see, the NG Church its highlight followed by the Anglican/Methodist Church. The town especially with the NG church has a Swellendam vibe albeit that the architecture of some of the main road buildings is lacking in Alexandria. The Farm Stall was incredibly impressive. "Ricoffy" in my (humble and subjective) opinion tastes better than allot of the so called "pure" instant coffee brands out there and its great to see and to know that towns are being sustained and are flourishing due to job creating activities. Very sad re the stations but interesting too that vandalism is rare and interesting that nature always reclaims. Beautiful evening too. I see that the roads have escaped their "tarring" 😂...thanks again for taking us with on this adventure.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I get you! Totally Swellendam vibe at the church on the main road, what an impressive building! 🚙💒 Nanaga Farmstall is a must-stop, really cool to see how they've grown over the last decade! Ricoffy for me all the way. Sonia even had to order it for me while we were living in the US, because I couldn't cope with the 'pure' stuff! 😜☕ That chicory factory is next-level and made us rather proud! 🇿🇦

[@johannaetrishamorgan6850]

Wow thank you folks for sharing 👍

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're happy to! Thank you for watching! 🚙😁

[@terrimeyer3815]

I have to tell you I have also never been off the main road going thru Alexandria. Beautiful old house there and you right...never seen it this clean. Nanaga big changes...looks like its time for a road trip that way again. Safe travels dust buggers....🎉❤🎉

[@DustBugsTravel]

It was heartwarming to see the town so clean and it was very evident wherever we drove. 🤩🚮 Nanaga is a great place for a quick or extended stop. If Sonia had her way, we would've stocked up on snacks for the next three weeks! 😆 Sounds like you haven't been out that way in a while. If you do head that way again, go and check out those old houses and trees, they are certainly worth a visit! 🚙😁

[@kelvinnaidoo8674]

Absolutely beautiful ❤❤❤❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

It is a truly beautiful part of our country for sure! 😍🇿🇦

[@thepenelopejones]

😁You got us hooked at *droёwors* ~ Another interesting and beautiful drive today - first thing in the morning and early evening is the best as the heat of the day washes out a lot of the colours. I've not looked if it's possible, but it would be lovely if you could video connect with the car so that _shy liefie_ could watch what you are seeing at the same time .. and whisper in your ear "pick up that coconut ice too!!"

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yup, the droëwors gets us every single time, we just can't get enough! 🚙😆 I'm glad you enjoyed this episode, there was so much to see in this area! We're on the road all day, every day during the weeks we're on the road, so we take the mornings, the afternoons, the evenings just as they come! 🌅🌄 I'd pick up every single thing in every single place if Sonia had her way, so we won't go there! 🥰

[@thepenelopejones]

@@DustBugsTravel 😄😇🥰

[@robertraine1953]

I remember driving through here in the 50s (not 1850s). A Ford Prefect along sandy roads to Kenton-on Sea. Thr best.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That does sound like a wonderful memory to me! I can actually picture it in my mind's eye! 🚙🌊 Good times!

[@Patshes]

I am a coffee addict. Important factory! Nice little town thanks. Can't believe you missed home made pies for a Spar meal.

[@DustBugsTravel]

And I can't believe you would judge our Savemor meal without even seeing it! 🤷🏻‍♂️ In case you missed it, we picked up some droëwors at Nanaga and were in the mood for food that night. Different strokes for different folks, I guess! 😁 I must admit I also struggle to function without my coffee fix! It was rather impressive that this chicory factory is the second-largest of its kind in the entire world! 🚙🤩

[@Patshes]

@@DustBugsTravel nothing like a full Spar meal on a Sunday! But I will never miss a home made pies.

[@JandK1978]

Hoop julle besoek Boknes en Cannon Rocks ook terwyl julle in die omgewing is. Ons hartswereld!

[@DustBugsTravel]

This trip was a few weeks ago already and we did visit a good few more places, which we look forward to sharing with you in the rest of this series! 🚙🤩

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Your trips are becoming more interesting by the day. Thank you for taking me with you into chicory country. That "farmstall" is an amazing place. I was driveling when you stood buying droëwors at the biltong counter. I expected stayover accommodation with two steaming chicory cuppas in the morning, but it didn't realise. Of course you didn't miss tracking down the ancient railroad tracks! The town seems really neat and organized, with green lawns, beautiful, interesting trees and gabled white houses and other old buildings all around. Thank you again Sonia for filling in the history of centuries. The beautiful DRC, named after a Scottish(!) pastor Alexander Smith, seems to be an integral part thereof. The Anglicans and Baptists sharing a church says much about a community supporting each other, even in such a clearly fast growing town. I am ready to hitch a hike on the next road you choose. Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

We saw such interesting places and we just have to show it all to you! 🚙😁 That chicory factory was super impressive! ☕🏭 I also thought the shared services in the one church was fantastic and such an incredible use of the facility! The station was so overgrown, I think we were quite lucky to find the tracks! We''ll always show you our overnight accommodation, be on the lookout tomorrow! 🏡

[@mariusroos]

What a nice clean town like you mentioned. So glad the town is still ticking. Well done and thank you for this trip. Till the next one. Seat obviously booked!

[@DustBugsTravel]

The town was super clean and that always makes an impression on us. If one can do it, surely all of them can, was our thought! It was a good visit and I'm glad you joined us. I checked, your seat is indeed booked for tomorrow! 🚙🤩

[@mikeyben7583]

Thank you so much for your lovely videos. My grandmother was born in Alexandria in 1920. I'm from Zim and had come down to PE last month to do the garden route but I didnt get a chance to go to Alexandria. So happy I can see the town she was born in.

[@jacqueskirchner4147]

So nice to see the town I grew up (large part of) in. Alex was my home from 1984 to 1992. Lovely memories of the Eastern Cape. Safe Travels.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for watching our video of your old hometown! 🚙🤩 You must still remember it very well and I'm so glad you were reminded of good and special times in your own life!

[@munesumangava9751]

Lovely quaint Alexandria👏

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys another interesting place Frisian cows chicory and pineapple .I had bunny chow in Durban they now have shops in trendy places in London selling bunny chow the droeswors was 10 rand in uk about 3 to 5 pounds a thousand pie's a day amazing massive DRF church and a national monument the Anglican church was church and how nice it is also used bythe Methodists. Always love to see the old stations and houses especially the corrugated house reminds me of putting up the antenna on Jan smuts house also made of corrugated metal. The town has a record second biggest chicory factory in the world these little towns always have a surprise thanks for another great video cheerio till the next one

[@DustBugsTravel]

You said it: chicory, pineapples and dairy. Agriculture clearly keeps Alexandria alive! ☕🍍🐄 The shared services in the church are a fantastic way to make use of that beautiful old building! I love bunny chows too, you took me way back to my own time in Durban long ago! 🍞 We opted for the droëwors instead of the pies that day and what an excellent choice it was! 🚙😁

[@munesumangava9751]

Got tasty Biltong at Nanaga Farm Stall👌 It has indeed changed since I passed by….. stunning!

[@stoicman31]

I love how blue the sky looks. I’m used to watching chines road trip videos.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We do have super blue skies here sometimes and that's always wonderful to see! 🚙🤩 China must also be a fascinating country to do a roadtrip in! 🇨🇳 Sonia has always had a thing for Japan, so we hope to visit the Far East on an extended visit one day.

[@dawnbarnes1361]

Hellooooo, I just loved the sun on the trees and the sun shining on the veranda of the house you passed❤ Enjoy riding with you guys around Alexandria!! Very interesting about the Chicory Factory. Thank you😀

[@flodillon991]

Just loved that huge farmstall its is fantastic. Another beautiful and very clean old town with lots of agricultural work for the inhabitants . Interesting about the chicory factory. I have had pure coffie made from chicory not as nice as the real thing but more healthy. Thank you so much for this episode. 😊

[@DustBugsTravel]

Nanaga is definitely a big place now! And they have so much going on there, it's a great place to take a break on any journey on the long road! 🚙😁 Alexandria was incredibly clean on the day we visited, that was super impressive to see! 🚮 It was so cool to learn that the second largest chicory factory in the world is here! I love my coffee and it's full of chicory! ☕😍

[@SonjaFroneman]

Thanks so much for this video. I live in Bushmans River Village, Riversbend and I love Alexandria ❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm so glad you enjoyed our video of one of your close neighbouring towns! 🚙😍 You certainly live in a spectacularly-beautiful area!

[@WayneKitching]

The farm stall burnt down a few years ago, but was fortunately rebuilt. That probably explains why it's so different to how Curtis remembers it.

[@DustBugsTravel]

They did have a fire at their old spot next to the main road somewhere 30-odd years ago, but the changes and improvements evident today, are from expansion and renovations. Such an impressive place! 🚙👌🏻

[@WayneKitching]

He checked Google and said that the new site opened in 2008. That was my first year of living in Gauteng after having lived in PE my whole life, which is probably why my memory is a bit vague.

[@davidsmithers2433]

In the early sixties, my dad was the rector at the Anglican church. My mom and dad loved their time in Alex. He also used to hold Sunday services in Paterson and at St Davids in Bushman's.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That is incredible! I'm so glad you shared that with us, thank you! I have no doubt that they were very happy there. We found the town very interesting and the church absolutely enchanting, especially the fact that the Methodist and Anglican services are shared in the same church. Fascinating stuff! 🚙💒

[@ronnykenny3965]

Yip your stil in my territory, when we visit kidlets in EL & don't stop for roosterbrood for them we know we are in serious trouble 😂.Thank you for showing this beautiful part of the country. Love travelling with you both.

[@DustBugsTravel]

A part of the country you must know very well, so we appreciate you watching our videos of your home territory through our eyes! 🚙🤩 We always love having you on board too! 👌🏻

[@davidsmithers2433]

I still remember the farmstall before Nanaga was built, about 50 years ago. Fresh pineapple juice served ice cold from a paraffin fridge was the star attraction.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I never knew Nanaga until maybe 15 or so years ago, so that's so interesting to hear! My mom made a virgin pineapple beer for us as kids and if your pineapple juice tasted anything like that, it was super delicious. 🍍 Truly pineapple country that is! I have a thought that their paraffin fridges may have been a touch more reliable than our electric ones today!

[@vry3555]

As nice as the farm stalls are they all begin to look the same once they become franchised. I think I preferred the old fashioned real farmers market

[@DustBugsTravel]

I hear you. Luckily there are still plenty of the smaller farmstalls around on the less busier routes and backroads and they're always a welcome sight. Farmer's markets are fantastic, but it's difficult for us to plan our visits to coincide with them. 🧑🏼‍🌾🌽🍍 Nanaga is a great place though and we've always loved stopping there. 🚙👌🏻

[@volksieza]

There are a few in this area where tannies real home made jams etc can be bought, but ofcourse franchised stuff too

[@grantesterhuyse]

What camera and Sound equipment do you guys use to showcase our beautiful country? Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear you enjoy our videos! 🚙🇿🇦 I film with my regular everyday cellphone, a Samsung S22 Ultra and dual mic system from Boya. That does the job for us! 😁

[@grantesterhuyse]

@@DustBugsTravel. Thanks so much

[@munesumangava9751]

And the big church on the Main Street 🙏

[@robertraine1953]

Train was narrow gauge to the PE line.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for the info! 🛤️

[@dawnbarnes1361]

Those big potholes must be from the Elephants😂😂😂

[@davidviner5783]

Wow! Egypt changed a lot.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It has! Not a pyramid in sight! 😁🔺

[@WayneKitching]

Airy cherry chicory cherry airy cherry chorts.

[@annawitter5161]

😂😂ja ek onthou daai een ..my ma het ons geklap as ons tjorts se.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Indeed! 🚙😜 That took me way back!

[@terryholton2829]

Why didn’t you buy some pies at Nanaga farm store? Not cheap but oh so good! Love the Wild Boar and venison pies. Maybe next time.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're not huge pie fans and a pie is a pie to us, but we did stop there on a return trip to the Eastern Cape and stocked up on some pies, which we had for dinner in Episode 409. Check it out! 😁🥮

[@mzeinvestments9176]

didnt know theres exiting parts here

[@DustBugsTravel]

There are exciting parts everywhere and that's exactly why we travel! To find the hidden gems which most folks just rush by! 🚙😁

[@dorothyparker8328]

What is chichory used for mainly? We weren’t impressed when it was mixed with pure coffee.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're not coffee purists by any stretch of the imagination and I'm super happy with the taste of it in my Ricoffy! 😁☕ According to Wikipedia, chicory is 'used as a coffee substitute and food additive'. Inulin, an extract from chicory root, has been used in food manufacturing as a sweetener and source of dietary fiber'.

[@terryholton2829]

Chicory can be used for people allergic to caffeine.

[@AndisileBeja]

😂 it's good for farming

[@Heyjoe1411]

Whatever happened to our railways? When you see how India has looked after their railways to stay as a huge national asset.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yup, I have that same question, but no answer. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I do know that the neglect and dysfunction we witness at almost every single station / siding / junction we get to, has been very long in the making though. It saddens us greatly at times. 😢🚂