S1 - Ep 253 - Paarl - A Historic Town in the Western Cape of South Africa!

The decision to start our exploration of Paarl at the Afrikaanse Taalmonument was a fantastic idea. This structure is truly impressive. Walking around and seeing the size of it was wild. The gardens are beautiful, the sound of the water flowing around the foot of the monument was relaxing. Then we went to explore historic Paarl which is a town in the Western Cape of South Africa. Driving through the streets and seeing the old buildings and realising the history in this town was super exciting. The old graves at the one church just reminded us of its past. Then to top it off, walking around at the Spice Route destination was awesome. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #capetown #westerncape #paarl #tablemountain
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[@desh7120]

Another wonderful day out with you! 🙏🏻😁💕

[@DustBugsTravel]

It was a wonderful day, enveloped in history! Thanks for joining us! 🏛️🚗

[@patshes1951]

Uitstekend! Moet eenkeer in my lewe by die monument aandoen .

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm glad you enjoyed, it's truly a stunning monument. You'll love it! 🤩🏛

[@ruannvannoordwyk5289]

Dit is een lekker ding om n lewenslank inwoner van die Paarl te wees

[@frederikbrits9559]

Paarl, the first European visited the unique kopjes in the Berg River valley was Abraham Gabbema on 22 October 1657. LANK LEWE AFRIKAANS!!!!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for the info, as always! What a crazy beautiful monument and language! 😁🏛

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys the only monument to a language in the world amazing for a small nation they have achieved a lot in parliament square in London a statue of Jan smuts stands next to Winston Churchill. Mountains wonderful. Little water mill with Dutch barn roof great Dutch cape houses so pretty love the old buildings what a stunning church love the balconies with ornate iron work thatched roof church and grave yard love the voortrekker monument oldest pub my favourite lol the columade and views beautiful very interesting video thanks for taking me along cheerio till the next one

[@DustBugsTravel]

And what a monument it is! 🏛️👌🏻 The buildings in this town are all spectacular and filled with history on top of it all! I loved the little water mill too, so authentic! That pub is a great place to hang out with buddies, really great atmosphere. 🍻 We appreciate you checking out Paarl with us! 😁🚗

[@mariusroos]

Paarl has such a rich history.Thank you well done with this one. WHAT A PLEASURE TO DRIVE WITH YOU.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, it's great that you always hop on board! 🚗 This was a great visit to Paarl, we really enjoyed the town. 🏛️😍

[@boerplaas388]

Daar was ek op skool en in die koshuis . Paarl Hoer Handel . Ai dit was lekker tye . 😂Naweke die trein gevat huistoe. 1984

[@DustBugsTravel]

Great memories for you, I can hear! 😁 It's such a beautiful town! 🤩🚗

[@annawitter5161]

How amazing to start at the Taalmonument! Thats another favourite place of mine. Have been there on many school outings, both as a pupil and as a teacher. Isnt it amazing! Such a wonderful celebration of our culture. I do hope it doesnt get pulled down. I have a very high regard for Afrikaans language. It is my heritage, along with Dutch. It was also my major at university. I studied the whole evolution of Afrikaans language. So fascinating. And what wonderful works of literature we have. Paarl is such a funny long town. My late hubby used to work at Lux Verbi in Wellington close by and we were actually house hunting in Paarl at the time. Then the heart problems happened. We visited Paarl rock, there is a lovely reserve up there. And some very nice wineries. We used to take a long walk through Paarl and look at all the historic buildings. Wellington also. Julle kan gerus daar gaan kuier! I do hope Stellenbosch is on your itenirary. Love the church you stopped at. I am sure that bell will ring on judgement day! Van der Lingen was my Ouma's nooiensvan. She came from the Free State, a farm near Jagersfontein. But we are all connected somewhere down the treinspoor.

[@DustBugsTravel]

A town steeped in deep history, that's for sure! We visited Wellington on one of our earlier trips, long before we explored towns in the detail we do nowadays. You can check out Episodes 104 and 105 if you haven't done so already. We did indeed visit Stellenbosch, but these were the days around Sonia's birthday and we had specific plans for what we wanted to see and do! 🥳🥰 The closer we got to home, the more difficult it got making these videos. We thought it would be exactly the opposite. 😁🚗

[@annawitter5161]

@@DustBugsTravel Oh dear! I will check out your ear;ier videos. Sorry about difficulties, i am so enjoying sharing what you see

[@simonemason5352]

Sonja and Curtis you really hit the sweet spot with this video. I never ever realised how interesting the taalmonument was, or how vast!! And as for Paarl...... much appreciated.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That monument with its intricate design is absolutely spectacular, it was quite an experience walking around there. Paarl's history runs deep and it's a very beautiful town. Glad you enjoyed visiting Paarl with us! 🏛️🚗

[@barbaralukas9327]

I was born in Paarl beautiful memories as child i am 73 years old now living in Bracenfell for the last 50 years

[@Cape_Town_7655]

nice view spice rute

[@DustBugsTravel]

Indeed, a great setting! 😎🚗

[@speakforyourself8207]

Paarl is the town I've lived longest in since 1991. It has developed into an amazing town . Our sreets are cleaned by outsourcing unemployed people. Our municipality is hands on. There are delicious coffee shops, bistros and restaurants. We have 3 golf courses and new residential properties to service the influx from up north. I love my town and never get tired of the mountains, Sunrises , sunsets and views. Yes and it is HOT. 38° today. Lyn

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're indeed very fortunate to call Paarl home. The heat is a small price to pay for all the beauty you're able to enjoy on a daily basis. ⛰️😍 Thank you for the additional info about Paarl. 👍🏻

[@gbotha123]

Brilliant video. I love it. May I also suggest you invest in a 'dead cat' for your microphone. It will eliminate most of the wind noise ;)

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you. 👍 I have a whole collection of dead cats and I find them too cumbersome for a lapel mic for the little benefit I've managed to achieve from them so far on our travels. I leave them at home now, but might give them another try.🎤

[@vonrecht1236]

Did Afrikaans at Wits 1969-71. Can remember some of my lecturers but won't name them here, just in case...Enjoying this series/travelogue greatly. Ag, hoe lekker kry ek nou.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Your Afrikaans lecturers would be proud if they read your last sentence! 😎 I'm so happy to hear you enjoy our videos. We appreciate you watching them. 👌🚗

[@inagericke5539]

Baie dankie vir hierdie, die toer van die taalmonument is die beste wat ek sovêr kon kry. Die Voortrekkers leer van die Taalmonument en ons in Gauteng is maar bietjie vêr vir 'n persoonlike besoek. Ek het al 'n hele paar video's gekyk en joune wys dit die beste sovêr, veral die Afrikaanse suil

[@DustBugsTravel]

Greetings to you in Gauteng! Thank you, I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed our visit to this magnificent monument, dedicated to a magnificent language. 😍🏛️ We hope that you'll enjoy our other videos (of mostly small-town South Africa) too! 🚗🇿🇦

[@terrimeyer3815]

Hey thanks for taking me to the taal monument. The arab connection I never knew that. Maar ek raak slim hier met julle movies neh!!!! Happy birthday Sonia 🎉🎊🎉🎉🎁🎁🎁🥂🥂🥂🎉🎉🎊

[@DustBugsTravel]

😁 I'm glad you enjoyed visiting that amazing monument with us. 😍🏛️ It's crazy how much one learns at the Travel University! 🤩🚗 Thank you for the birthday wishes! 🥳

[@flodillon991]

The monument is quite impressive. Loved those granite hills they are massive. Paarl has beautuful buildings and so well looked after. Great.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Impressive is a good way to describe that incredible monument! 😍🏛️ Paarl is a very pretty town surrounded by such beauty. We had a wonderful day and it was great that you came along! 😁🚗

[@funkdunk]

The Taalmonument is such an amazing design and the grounds an incredible place, we often go there...Afrikaans is such an amazing language...I was wondering whether this episode was going to be narrated in Afrikaans with English subtitles 🙂I visit Paarl often and never knew about some of the attractions that you showcased. The Spiceroute is an awesome place too. Paarl has so much to offer though in addition to its splendid scenery. Their Mall is also great too. We go to the pub on the Wellington side of Paarl, yours is also fascinating and I am sure that you have many stories to tell and we are all ears 🤣...

[@DustBugsTravel]

This monument is an absolute must-visit for anyone and I understand completely that you visit regularly. 🏛️😍 My Afrikaans is fantastic for about five sentences and then I start struggling a little, sometimes a lot. 😁 After the Namaqualand sound debacle, we're a little over narration and voiceovers, so won't go there again soon, I hope. 🤞🏻Paarl is an incredibly historic town and we love it. They must have some of the most beautiful buildings in the country there! 🤩 As for the Crown, suffice it to say that uncharacteristic behaviour was displayed by myself on repeated occasions. I'd rather not elaborate, Sonia may just get upset all over again. 😨 I worked very close for a short period of time, so frequented the establishment during this time. Cheers! 🥳🍻

[@deonzar]

What an historic way to start your day and a spicey way to end it. Hope you enjoyed your day in a town that can get very very hot in summer.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yup, the heat can really be intense there! 🥵 We had a fantastic day in Paarl, a town with so much beauty, in its monument, its surroundings and its buildings! 😍🏛🗻

[@annelinesiebritz1206]

This is home 🤸‍♂️🤸‍♀️

[@DustBugsTravel]

How lucky you are to live in such a gorgeous place! 😍 Thank you for watching our video. 🏛️🇿🇦

[@hannesvanniekerk499]

Oh, that was absolutely wonderful. I remember when the Taalmonument opened but due to my youthful carelessness at the time, did not take too much notice of the fuss being made. Soon afterward my cousin's engagement ring bore the likeness of the monument. I was intrigued by the Arab connection and that points to my own ignorance as to the many influences and contributions to Afrikaans. The mountains and surrounds are majestic and never can cease to amaze the eye. It's truly stunning and a BIG thank you again to you both for a sterling effort and very, very informative video.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Like you, Sonia was also exposed to the monument when she was much younger, but she says the impact was so much greater on her as an adult. You're certainly not the only one who didn't focus much on these cultural matters as a youngster, I think most of us are guilty of that. 😏 I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this visit to Paarl, it's definitely a beautiful historic town. 🏛️🚗 The surrounding scenery is also spectacular. 🌳⛰️

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Thank you, thank you for taking me along on this trip through history. The Monument is really amazing, even overwhelming; the gardens beautiful with the views of blue skies, ... etc. etc.! The town itself is a historical monument, despite its development over two centuries. The wine farm is equally beautiful, not lacking eateries, with chocolates everywhere! I was a bit disappointed however that apparently they do not serve cuppas? Thank you again for the trip, there are no words to really relate my experience other than "You made my day"! Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

It was Sonia's birthday that particular day, so off-camera we enjoyed beverages a little stronger than cuppas! 😁🍹🥂 There was indeed a lot of chocolate at Spice Route! 🍫 I'm so happy you enjoyed our walk through that magnificent monument and its grounds. 🏛️ The beauty of it and the town is absolutely unbelievable and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to historic Paarl! 😍🚗

[@1812nico]

@@DustBugsTravel Congratulations to Sonia! I wish her a happy year ahead.

[@kosherchessandphotography4139]

Pragtige dorpie met die Taalmonument en al! Ek was die 1ste keer daar in 1985 saam met my oupa-hulle en die laaste keer in 1996 toe ek van Somerset West af met my fiets gery het. Hier in Hong Kong, waar ek my PhD in Taalkunde gedoen het, het een Prof in die klas 'n taalboom gewys waar Afrikaans as 'n dialek van Nederlands aangedui is, maar in die Paarl is daardie groot monument om te wys dat Afrikaans 'n taal op sy eie is!

[@bigvee6900]

Next time give Paarl Rock a visit.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It was my wife's birthday that day and we had specific plans for what we wanted to see and do that day! 🥳🥰

[@Cape_Town_7655]

next to spire ruite there wine farm part of spcie ruite with goats and make chease and there brandy wine nice

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yes, indeed! 🦌 I think you're referring to the Fairview Wine Estate. We've been there a few times, it's a lovely place. 🧀🍷

[@JESUS_KING_LORD_]

Schitterende omgeving! 🖐️🇿🇦🇳🇱

[@Cape_Town_7655]

paarl rock behind it on top of mountain there is a lake

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thanks for the info. 👍

[@ronnykenny3965]

Stunningly beautiful, didn't even know the Taal monument existed, thank you for that, never too old to learn. According to your travels I've been living in a cacoon my whole life 🙈. Travelled more with you guys than I ever have before

[@DustBugsTravel]

And we're always happy to have you along for the ride. 👌 There is so much to see and experience out there, we haven't even scratched the surface yet. Lots more to come! 😁🚗 That monument blew our minds, utterly gorgeous! 😍🏛

[@anthonydepontes2295]

My father owned jailhouse pub back in the early 2000s

[@hannahperlotto139]

Sorry!! Have to tell you. We have every year end of July our Interschools. Between Boys High and Gymnasium. It's one of the biggest events. Our town is buzzing then. You did not go to the end of Paarl Main rd too! There is another beautiful church and behind that is a Museum with beautiful gardens. There is soooo many places to see. Then we have the Bergriver Boulevard canoe marathon every year. And on that road is a old Jail that was converted into a lovely coffee shop and more. Worth seeing. You did not see much 😮😁

[@DustBugsTravel]

We don't ever worry about what we didn't get to see. We're very happy with what we did get to see! 👍

[@Cape_Town_7655]

have u check glass works expensive but wow like a gallery

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm sure they're works of art! 👍

[@hiltonroberts8742]

The name Paarl, or pearl in english come from the shapes of the Paarl rocks that look like pearls from a distance...

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for the info! 👍

[@hannahperlotto139]

Hi there you 2. My husband was born in Paarl and he says yes that water mill did work when he was a young boy. Water came from the mountain.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Great to know it did work at one point. 👍

[@Cape_Town_7655]

by eerste national bank after turn that street few months back they put sand on tar and shoot old movie there by first robot left there also nice buildings and yello car on roof with old antuqes

[@DustBugsTravel]

How interesting! I can imagine the town being a perfect location for movies! 😁🎥

[@annelinesiebritz1206]

The area where the watermill is, is called Courtrai

[@DustBugsTravel]

Appreciate the info! 👌🏻

[@bharatjeevan]

Guys your videos are fantastic. Your wine country tours made me think about visiting that region sometime next year, especially Stellenbosch, which could be a great base for a 2 month stay. What do you reckon I should read up on, research, prepare for etc.? Some pointers would be greatly appreciated!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we're glad you enjoy our videos! 🚙😁 As travellers who don't do a lot of research and love to expore and happen upon things instead, it's difficult for us to give you any advice. There is a multitude of things to do and places to see in the Stellenbosch area and surrounds. These places are all virtually on our doorstep, so we often take a drive for a few hours. For us, it's more about the natural beauty and the history of a place than anything else and we're not big wine drinkers, so the fact that Stellenbosch is the second-oldest town in South Africa and dates back to 1679, makes for very interesting historical sites and buildings. If you're going to spend two months in the area, you'll have a field day at all the wine estates, monuments, gardens, parks and such in the town itself, as well as the surrounding towns and areas. We're sure that, no matter what you do, you'll have a wonderful time. Oh, and the locals will also be able to point you to places we may even don't know about, so chat to them often once you've arrived. Safe travels! 🤩

[@bharatjeevan]

@@DustBugsTravel Thanks a lot for the response guys! Posted the original question because folks were telling me I had to be extra vigilant as a tourist in South Africa 😁. I'm genuinely interested in using Stellenbosch as a base. I'll try and research everything I can before I make a move. Have a nice day ye !

[@gerard377]

Beautiful town Paarl is! well maintained because its a DA ward and would be even better if it were run by the FF+. If the dream of CT becoming independent does become a reality CT would be a Singapore in Africa! In fact SA should split up into independent republics again as in pre British unification post the 1902 Anglo-Boer war

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're not a political channel in any way. We travel purely for fun. 🚙

[@hannahperlotto139]

My nooiens van was de Villiers. Maar ons was nie van die welgestelde de Villiers🤣 what do you call people from Paarl? Snobs🤣🤣😂I Love Spice Route. Paarl is beautiful and the history is amazing but good grieve living there! 😉 It's hot hot hot!!

[@DustBugsTravel]

I worked in Paarl for a short time and met some very friendly folks, some of whom I'm still friends with today. 👍 I didn't find the locals.snobbish at all.

[@hannahperlotto139]

Just some new info. Paarl was declared a City in 2019. We have the longest main road in SA.

[@desh7120]

Thank you for that additional info! That very long main road has always amazed me.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Hannah Perlotto Thank you for the info. 👍

[@Cape_Town_7655]

have to tast choklate and ice cream and bear

[@DustBugsTravel]

We didn't taste chocolate or beer that day, we had other plans! 🥳🚗

[@hannahperlotto139]

That very old church of 1813 my husband and I got married in. Small but cozy

[@desh7120]

💕

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Hannah Perlotto Interesting. 💒

[@julianschmahl8267]

Is it dangerous?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm not familiar with the crime statistics in Paarl, you'll have to check with the local authorities to obtain accurate info. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@christineholliday9542]

Ag née magtie julle is afrikaans en nou engels by die Afrikaans taalmonument. Is julle skaam vir die taal

[@DustBugsTravel]

Perhaps you should ask yourself the question whether we would've visited the monument and sung its praises if we were ashamed of Afrikaans. 🤷🏼‍♂️ You must be new to our channel. I'm an English-speaking person and I'd like my elderly mother, the rest of my family and friends abroad to also understand and follow along. If you don't mind. 😁

[@hannahperlotto139]

And the GOVERNMENT wants to break it down 🙈🙈🙈🥴

[@DustBugsTravel]

I hope that doesn't happen. 😨

[@boerplaas388]

What government 😂?? A bunch of Circus 🎪 clowns 🤡. Yes . MAMPARRAS.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Boer Plaas I"m more concerned about the possible loss of the mill than calling those in Government names. 🤷🏼‍♂️