S1 - Ep 271 - Marydale and Draghoender - What an Incredible Visit to these Two Places!

Leaving Prieska and heading to Marydale we had no idea what was waiting for us. Driving through the tiny town was fantastic. So sad that the school burnt down and to see the abandoned Catholic Temple was shocking. It must have been a beautiful place where people used to worship. Then we took a short drive to the Draghoender Station and this visit touched my heart. To see the stunning station building and the incredible old hotel building falling apart the way they were was very sad to see. I can just imagine what it looked like back in the day. What an incredible visit this was to these two places! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #northerncape #marydale #draghoender #prieska
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[@johanweakley2658]

After your Prieska video I wondered if you would do Marydale and Draghoender! So we moved from Prieska to Draghoender around 1962, as my father got transferred there. My mom worked at a fashion shop in Marydale, nogal! 😁 Those ruins were indeed the ruins of the Draghoender hotel. Man, it brought back memories. As kids we played on the lawn outside that hotel when it hosted dances for the people in the district. The guests arrived, men in suit and tie and women in evening dresses. Motor cars were polished to a gleam for the occasion. Seeing it like this teared me up. It was a forgotten time of elegance and civility between people. Fantastic video once again!

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed our video, despite the Draghoender Hotel not looking like you remember it. I don't even have to close my eyes to imagine the scene you sketched in your comment. That was exactly the vibe I got when we stopped there. I could also imagine ladies and gents in their elegant attire arriving by train at Draghoender and checking in to the hotel. That place really tugged at my heartstrings! 😥 Thank you for sharing those wonderful memories with us, much appreciated! 😊🚙

[@geraldrafferty5485]

Thank you ! What a wasteland my country has become, evil and desolation ! I cry in my heart !!

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Gerald Rafferty We did find the destruction sad, but the word 'evil' never crossed our minds. 😨🚙 There was still too much beauty left, which we were just too happy to enjoy and share. 😍 Thank you for watching our video of Marydale and Draghoender.

[@colinparmanand3162]

Curtis, Sonja and Fellow Dusty Passengers, it's towns like these that we are very privileged to see from the comfort of our homes, that keep me grounded, and by God's Grace, given a better life. When we feel hard done by at times, remember, relate and see we have a raw deal and grounds to gripe. I ask myself....bread, milk, basic everyday needs.....where? Thank You Lord, and forgive me.😭🙏📿

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for coming to these two places with us. 😊🚙 I'm glad our video made you think positively about your own life. We also sometimes sit in and at these places and wonder about the quality of life most of these folks must have. It must surely be a hard, tough life to survive every day, week and month. 😥

[@annawitter5161]

Those of us who are older have good memories of what South Africa used to be like. It is a solace.

[@annawitter5161]

I have always been fascinated by the story of Draghoender but never actually been there. Love the way you guys see something interesting and immediately follow through. The Catholic church is so beautiful! How sad that it is abandoned and left to the hands of vandals. When you have as much sun as you do out in his geweste it makes perfect sense to go solar! Wonder why more people dont do it. It would save on the Eskom pain in the gaia. The station building is still beautiful even though ruined. I took a screen shot for a painting as it looked so good next the thorn tree on the right. The hotel also, it fascinated me. You guys certainly never get boring! Thank you for a really vibey visit.

[@DustBugsTravel]

When we saw Draghoender was only 2km from Marydale, we knew we just had to go and check it out! 🚉🐓 In all the places we've visited so far, we've never seen such a church as the Catholic one, it was totally unique and indeed very sad that it has been abandoned and vandalised like that. It must've been really beautiful in the beginning! 💒 I'm so glad that you also see the beauty in the ruins that remain, we're all about that! If you paint the hotel too, that would really make my day! The hotel messed with my heart big time, let me tell you! 😥🚙

[@annawitter5161]

@@DustBugsTravel Both in the offing for paintings! Just got to capture the atmosphere. Do you know the story how Draghoender got its name?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm not sure about the origin of the name. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Wikipedia says that 'a railway line from Prieska to the farm Draghoender was completed in 1914. Originally the name was Dragonder and named after the soldiers who were stationed there during the second Anglo-Boer War.' I also know that Draghoender is a surname, so maybe the farm was owned by a Draghoender. This is all the info I could get online. 🐓😁

[@benlubbe7875]

So hartseer om die plekke wat eens so mooi was,so verwaarloos te sien... Dankie DustBugs Travel , dis lekker om so saam met julle te reis deur die dorpies !

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're also very often saddened by what we see when get to a small town and place and often take a few moments just to regroup and once again focus on the beauty, which is what we're there to see. It's a sad reality that the good is interspersed with the broken down nowadays, but a sad part of our reality. 😥 We're so happy to have you come along as we explore these forgotten places. 🚙😁

[@colinparmanand3162]

The music when the drone ( you got to give it a name ) went up at the station was so fitting. Like you were shooting your on version of a movie "Gone with the Wind".🎥😍

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much. 'Droney' was christened the day I unboxed him, we just sometimes forget to call him that! 🤩 I must tell you, I imagined that I was shooting my own film called 'Hotel and Station Lost in Time' or something to that effect. Those two buildings, especially the hotel, had a profoundly sad effect on me and I thought the best way to capture it would be from above. I'm glad you approve. 😊🏫

[@gregw9289]

Great old buildings !! Its a shame that they are in such a poor state. You both seem to get to such quaint and out of the way places. Happy travels.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It is indeed a shame that so many buildings have been destroyed. 😥 Oddly enough, we still see the beauty in them, especially when we imagine what they must've looked like decades ago. We love exploring these remote places, they deserve to be seen and their stories told. I'm happy to hear you enjoy them too. 🚙😁

[@mk-xq1tt]

Marydale.......lovely town with it`s old buildings. Old style dwellings that were very spacious. So sad to see the vandalism - seems to be a prevalent disease in SA - broken window panes, smashed what could be smashed or stolen and the old swimming pools just left Could be such a wonderful asset to the community. Can imagine the hustle and bustle at the old hotel, must have been the centre of happenings once upon a time. Lovely video.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed these two places. Despite the evident decay, we did too. There are just too many remnants of a colourful past not to be excited to visit such a place. Like you, I can also imagine the hotel being a hive of activity as a train arrives with passengers checking in. What a cool thought that is! We appreciate you watching! 🤩🚙

[@samantharossouw2425]

Hi guys thanks once again for an awesome vlog always good to know about historical places in the Karoo dorpies❤️🌹

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed our visit to these two places. We found them both super interesting! 🚙🐓

[@ExpressionsPhotoSA]

We certainly have an incredible knack to destroy things. It’s so sad to see. A sign of the times.

[@DustBugsTravel]

True. 😥 But so much beauty remains and that's why we will continue travelling! 🚙😁

[@samanthashepheard]

So so sad to see these beautiful buildings and houses just destroyed, and I too wonder why😟. These places have long gone been forgotten, but it's so wonderful that the both of you travel to these places and to be reminded about these beautiful buildings/houses and the history

[@mariusroos]

Thanks guys. Once again well done. I also love the comments and then you realize it was a town long ago and unfortunately deteriorated with time. Very interesting video. I enjoyed it..lets wait for the next one.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We so appreciate you always hopping on board! These two places were fascinating to us despite the decline and the decay which is evident everywhere. The beauty, whether under the surface or in plain sight, outshone all of that for us. We look forward to the next one too! 🤩🚙

[@johanvanwyk3803]

I was at Laerskool FA Loots from 1966 - 68 in Std 2 - 4. We stayed at Putsonderwater at the time and my sister and I were in the Berg en dal hostel. We used to play ring tennis and cricket where you parked at the hostel. Mr Connie Stander was the school principal and was the most amazing man. He used to say that, one day, the newspaper would come through a socket in the wall... the Internet 😮

[@DustBugsTravel]

And now our videos are also coming to you through the socket in the wall! 😳 What a visionary your Principal was! I'm not sure when you were in Marydale last, but I'm glad that you could be transported back to the area and the town through our video. Thank you for sharing your memories with us, it was quite surreal driving around the school and hostel and to think back to what it must've been like when everything was still fully functional. Despite the visible decline, it was still a wonderful experience to visit Marydale! 🚙😁

[@johanvanwyk3803]

I was there again during a school holiday shortly after I left school so there was nobody at the school. That was many moons ago! My father who was about 6'8" once played Rooikappietjie at a church concert in Marydale... 😂😂 Thank you very much for the memories

[@munesumangava9751]

Stunning views on this drive👌👍

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! An interesting but somewhat sad trip. The town seems not to have gotten to its feet before it started dilapidating, probably as result of demise in the nearby asbestos mining. What is also sad is that abolished, reasonably new, churches and a burnt down school are just left as they are to fall apart. Where have all the people gone? There are a few very neat and beautiful buildings and houses around, but the town seems desolate. Thank you again for the trouble you take to make these videos and the background you provide. If it weren't for that, Marydale and Draghoender would be unknown ghost places -- now they're on the map! Looking forward to the next trip. Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

We can very easily choose to showcase only the beautiful and pristine, but that won't be realistic. What you see in our videos, is exactly what we find out there! The gentleman we spoke to in Marydale said that most people left since there is no way for them to earn an income anymore to support their families, a story we've heard in so many towns. 😥 We try and look past the decay, because an abundance of beauty remains and one day when we're old(er) and grey(er), we'll sit on our porch and look back with very fond memories of all these places. We appreciate you joining us, as always. 😊🚙

[@1812nico]

@@DustBugsTravel That is exactly why I enjoy your trips so much.

[@willcrews342]

The railway line through Draghoe der was built in 1914 to reinforce SA presence in Namibia as WWll started. At that time Namibia (South West Africa) was a German territory. Not much action in area. However Draghoender because the station that carried all the material from the Koeghas Asbestos mines to Prieska and then the coast for export as koeghas became the world's largest blue asbestos mine. Draghoender also shipped wool and sheep to markets. DRAGHOENDER HOTEL and its integral shops, pub and bottle store were run for years in the mid century by a Dutch family. However, once the mines had to close because as asbestos was banned on health grounds, Draghoender went down hill fast and the lovely hotel etc are now ruins. It sadly did not survive for 100 years. Apparently still some trains but no passengers and good roads carry most of the freight. Mines also dead! Apparently name derived from Dragoon Guards who were stationed there in late 1800s. Dragoon was a stray horse but name stuck though slightly modified to Afrikaans language. Will Crews

[@rorysullivan4913]

So sad to see what has happened to our country towns. They must have been special in their heyday. Societies that once were proud of their communities Anyway, I envy you going on these trips. You are living my dream but at least I get to go with you every so often. Safe travels.

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're always welcome on our virtual backseat until you hit the road again one day yourself! 🚙😁 I agree, there was a lot to be sad about in these two places, but as much to be happy and excited about because fortunately some beauty always remains. I'm sure the Draghoender Station looking like that must've also had quite an effect on you, like it did on us. 😥🚉

[@kosievandenberg2145]

Die melancholy musiek aan die begin het my so bietjie hartseer gemaak. Miskien omdat die omgewing so rustig is.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That wasn't my intention at all when I chose the music, hopefully you saw something in Marydale that cheered you up a little! 😁🚙

[@ronellfebruary7624]

Dit is omdat die ekonomie nie meer werk of beskikbaar is in die afgelee dorpies nie,daarom plunder, breekaf en vernietig die mense die geboue en infrastrukture.Daar moet net weer werksgeleenthede geskep word dan sal die dorpies weer in goeie toestande wees.Dankie vir die video's.Kan julle ook n geleentheid gee om saam met julle ry daar ver in die boendoes asseblief.Baie dankie.👏👏🤗😁

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for exploring Marydale and Draghoender with us! 🤩🚙 It's true that the depopulation of these tiny towns caused a lot of poverty and townsfolk don't have opportunities to provide for their families anymore. I still don't get though that they would destroy buildings and infrastruture that could serve the remaining community and make their lives more bearable and comfortable. That's a bitter pill to swallow. 🤷🏼‍♂️😥

[@bertusgrobler2146]

My geboortedorp. Daar gebore in 1953. Skool gegaan in die laerskool. In die koshuis gebly. My hart breek om die ou dorpie so te sien

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for watching our video of your birthtown. 🚙😊 It was sad to see all the destroyed buildings, but we were still happy to have visited the town for all the friendly people we met and the beautiful buildings that do remain. I hope that comforts you somewhat.

[@lillybonthuys5646]

Ek was in hierdie koshuis so in 1966. Dit was so lekker om dit weer te sien. Dankie

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm glad we could take you back to Bergendal, which is fortunately still in good shape! 👌🏻🚙

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys Marydale at first it seemed like a sleepy town but it must have been thriving in its day sad the ruin of school and swimming pool but the hostel looks well kept Sonia hit the nail on the head about the churches they liked a church in their town intriguing about RC Church?also strange design. Can't get enough of the old houses with tin roofs. What a shame about station building and hotel they must have been stunning great to see the size of it with the drone footage another great video cheerio till the next one

[@DustBugsTravel]

The gentleman we chatted to in town, said that Marydale was once a much busier place and that Draghoender was beautiful, which is clear even now as one looks at the remnants of the station building and the hotel. 😥 I thought you might be intrigued by the Roman Catholic Church design. We're not experts in RC churches, but we've certainly never seen anything even closely resembling that building, which must've been stunning when just completed. 💒 We look forward to picking you up again tomorrow for the next stop! 😁🚙

[@wernerredelinghuys]

What a nostalgic journey, thank you!! I grew up in Marydale. Lived in one of those delapitated homes you passed (back in the day it was prime property with lush gardens) My dad was the school principle, most of my childhood we lived in the hostel (koshuis) and went to FA Loots primary school. The swimmingpool was my dads pride and joy, as principle of the school he had to maintain it. We spent our summers at that pool and had major swimgalas there. We are proud of our Marydale upbringing, but quite saddened to see its demise.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Wow, thank you for sharing your history with Marydale with us! I can hear you still speak very fondly of the place, so it must've been particularly sad for you to compare present-day Marydale to the town you knew. 😥 It was super interesting to read that your dad was the Principal and what pride he took in the swimming pool, which is sadly no more. For us first-time visitors to the area, the beauty of days gone by was still cleary visible if that's any consolation to you. We appreciate you watching our video. 😊🚙

[@willcrews342]

Studied at Marydale junior school in 1940s. Left over 70 years ago. Still have good memories. Unfortunately Draghoender has been totally destroyed. Was a wonderful place with a great hotel run by a Dutch family with three young daughters. Enjoyed visits and Sunday lunches on our nearby farm. Decent railway service. Now all gone! Miss them including the wonderful winters but not the very hot summers. Love to go back for a day or week but now know no-one there. Wonderful fruit and veg gardens. ... Name derived from Dragoon, an army horse found there. Pre boer war Draghoender was an army outpost for cavalry and supplies - 20 years before railway reached it. Xxxxxxxc

[@waswe4204]

I am always at odds as to why the swimming pools are the first structures to get "un used". Surely every child black, white or green should learn to swim?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I think it's a matter of the costs associated with the upkeep, chemicals, etc. The swimming pools are most probably not high on the priority list of the local authorities. 🚙🏊🏼

[@deonzar]

I suppose the lack of water...or the expense.

[@kosievandenberg2145]

Would be interesting to know the history of the circular church. I got a little bit of an eerie vibe.

[@DustBugsTravel]

There wasn't much info on that Catholic Church available online. The locals also only told us that it was a Roman Catholic Church who fell out of operation and got vandalised since. Really sad, especially for such a gorgeous building. 😥💒

[@flodillon991]

Thank you but so sad to see everything gone to ruin what a pity. Ones heart gets sore to see all this. I wonder what still lies ahead for these little places.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We were also saddened by the destruction. 😥 There were still some beautiful houses and buildings left to enjoy though, so that made up for the sadness. 🚙🏡

[@willcrews342]

Hotel with its bar was popular with employees from the large asbestos mines at Koegas and occasional travellers needing a break from the heat and the dusty corrugated roads! Nice business with shop, bar, off sales alcohol and a comfortable well run hotel. All went south after the mines cut back, then closed, and the farmers found that the new tarred roads could deliver livestock, wool and other goods cheaper and faster than the railways could. In the 70 years I have been away, the trees have grown as have the churches, but not much else has changed. Vandalism so sad! Oh, and roads no longer gravel plus some lights.

[@rickelliott4130]

It's sad to see the willful destruction and disrepair in these small towns

[@DustBugsTravel]

Indeed, it's a sad part of the reality we find in most of these small towns and places we get to visit. 😥 On the upside, the beauty remains under the surface and that's what we look for, and find. 😍🚙

[@elizabethterblanche5311]

And its a delight to all your followers

[@vkaitakirwa]

So sad to see that beautiful Catholic Church in ruin.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Indeed. 😥💒 Fortunately there are plenty of other churches in town that are still in good shape! 👌🏻🚙

[@capefox8321]

Regarding the "Tempel", we never use the word, "temple", when describing a Catholic place of worship. I would assume that they should have used the word, "Kapel", as it looks to me that it must have been a chapel of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI).

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for the info. 👌🏻 I wasn't going to change the wording on the plaque in my translation, so opted for a direct one. 🚙💒

[@terrimeyer3815]

Sho' you guys have seen some devastation....but this place made me really heartsore. The windows in that church was so pretty and the hotel with a pool. Aaaai it has got a filling station so there is still a need in Marydale. Thanks for the trip I am as facinated as you are by all these little dorpies😍😍😍😘

[@DustBugsTravel]

That Draghoender Hotel really got to me badly! 😥🏫 It, with the station building and the Catholic Church, must've all been magnificent buildings in their heydays! It's baffling that such a young church would already be destroyed, I've never seen a church quite like that one before. 💒 But luckily there was still enough beauity left in Marydale to make us happy. 😁🚙 Thanks for hopping onto the backseat again!

[@mauricerai4730]

Thanks for sharing. Very sad to see these towns so desolate and in absolute disrepair. I have never seen Sonja. Only heard her voice. Would be nice to put a face to the name. Thanks

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for watching, we appreciate that! 😁🚙 While we're also saddened by the decay which is evident in almost all the places we visit, we try to focus on the positive and the beautiful, which is always also present fortunately. Sonia isn't keen on being filmed and until she changes her mind, I'll respect that and her voice will just have to do! 🥰

[@yersiniapestis7383]

Next stop Putsonderwater?

[@DustBugsTravel]

We didn't even think about the next destination at that point, we were just enjoying what Marydale and Draghoender had to offer! 🚙🐓

[@elrico8806]

Marydale jou doring😇... Another town i use to go visit family at.. Small but special in a way.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We loved Marydale! Lots of quaint, characterful houses and lots of churches! 😁💒 I can imagine you must've been a frequent visitor to Marydale in your younger years, coming from the neighbouring town of Prieska! It was good to see your part of the world! 🚙🤩

[@graemeneale9311]

There are few things nicer than taking a dive into a pool on a hot Summer's day in the Northern Cape, don't try it in Marydale.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Nope, don't do that. You're going to come second! 😨🏊🏼

[@albertpagnier2188]

My Mom still has the photos of the hotels as to how they looked when her parents owned them. It was many many years ago. If I remember correctly my Oupa was the first owner of the Draghoender Hotel. I don't know if he was the original owner of the Marydale hitel

[@DustBugsTravel]

Wow, that is incredible! The building where the Marydale Hotel used to be still looks in fair shape, if I'm talking about the correct building of course. 🤷🏼‍♂️ What really got to me, was the Draghoender Hotel and what it must've looked like back in the day if the remains are still so beautiful. Your folks must've been such proud owners of both these establishments! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, much appreciated! 👌🏻🏫

[@adriancullingworth2051]

Would be lovely if you could share some of the old pictures 🥰

[@albertpagnier2188]

@Adrian Cullingworth I will ask my Dad and Mom to send me the pictures of the hotels. Youbare welcome to contact me if you would like. I'm sure my Mom wouldn't mind giving you the history of the hotels as she worked there with my Grandparents

[@deonzar]

Marydale and Draghoender...those two names just go together. And yes, I would have loved to see that hotel at the station when it was still operational but why is was there is also a mystery to me. But now come to think of it, it must have been for the people in the district...I can now think of quite a few stations that had fancy hotels, the latest one where we were entertained by David Kramer was at Kraankuil hotel...somewhere in the 80'ties...

[@DustBugsTravel]

Kraankuil Hotel sounds like a place we still have to visit, just the name is intriguing. 😁 One viewer relayed memories of when he was a youngster who played on the lawns of the Draghoender Hotel and it being a place where fancy dances were held and people would come from near and far in their best attire and with polished cars, that's such a cool story. The hotel hit me quite hard for some reason, but it was good to see all the same. Thanks for coming along! 🚙😁

[@deonzar]

@@DustBugsTravel Kraankuil station is just west of Orania on the R387...and youve been in that area so probably wont go again...and I wonder if the Hotel still exists...but as a matter of interest I will find out end April when I visit Sandgat near Vanderkloof again...and yes Orania as well.. 🙂

[@georgekoen7414]

I continue to enjoy your vids from California. Baie dankie julle. Miskien kan julle op n dag by King William's Town uitkom en na die Izeli Convent ruiines uitkom. Dis op pad na Stutterheim omtrent 10km as ek reg onthou. Ek het daar skool gegaan van '61 tot '73.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, glad to hear you enjoy our videos! 🚙😁 I love the scenery in the Eastern Cape and will most definitely return to the province and will keep your suggestions in mind. We appreciate those, the ruins of the convent sound most interesting and intriguing.

[@patshes1951]

Love it when you visit the churches. What I wonder always is who actually goes and vandalizes everything.

[@DustBugsTravel]

The architecture of the churches is what gets us every time, they're all so different, yet all so beautiful in their own right. 💒🚙 As far as the destruction of buildings goes, it's absolutely beyond me that people will destroy the very structures that could provide them and their children with better lives. I'll never understand that mentality! 🤷🏼‍♂️😨

[@elizabethterblanche5311]

Like Sonia said.... "why" ... 😢

[@rorysullivan4913]

Ending of this visit too sad for words

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yup, we heard about Draghoender and when we chatted to the gentleman in town, he said Draghoender was beautiful back in the day. Needless to say it unfortunately is no more. That hotel specifically was tough to see for some reason. 😥🏫

[@ebaab9913]

Just a comment an ex-SA from NZ, I am sad to these small town's facilities being vandalised, it probably accelerates their demise. But this is not unique to SA, I see it here in NZ which is so much smaller and with a growing population. The big cities concentrate the jobs and the people follow. And like CT the house prices go crazy. Lucky here the farms are still profitable, and some of the small towns are still hanging on.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Greetings to you in NZ! I agree with you that destruction and decay aren't exclusively SA phenomena. It was interesting to read that you see similar depopulation of the smaller centres in your country. 🇿🇦🇬🇸Thank you for watching from afar! 😁🚙

[@exceldarademeyer3644]

Cry the beloved country

[@DustBugsTravel]

About certain things, definitely. 😥 But fortunately as much to smile about. 🚙🇿🇦

[@elsanel9889]

Eks is hier gebore. Skool gegaan tot gr 5

[@user-ud7fo8no8l]

Amazing how even in the middle of nowhere, there are, brick, copper wire and window frame strippers😢

[@munesumangava9751]

Oh what a shame, the state of that stunning Catholic Church 😢

[@sandragrobler2957]

Sleepy town. Beautiful music!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, glad to hear you enjoyed the tunes! 🚙🎶

[@sannamagranna6552]

Absoluut tragies... 💔

[@DustBugsTravel]

The decay is sad to see. 😥 That's why we focus on the natural and other beauty which will always remain in any town or place. 🚙😁

[@kennyslater6615]

Hi. Great video, but so sad the destruction. You passed the Volle Evangelie kerk van God. In English it is The Full Gospel Church of God. I am a pastor of the same denomination in Brackefell. Thank you for all the trouble you go to show us all the history etc. Something I have always been wondering - is your phone/camera attached to your door while you are driving? Perhaps you should show ys how you do it - if it is not a secret. Keep well

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for watching our video and for that correction, much appreciated! We won't forget that again. 💒 It's our pleasure sharing little pieces of info we come across online or glean from chatting to the locals in a town or place we visit. 👌 I use my regular cellphone to film with and, although I have a collection of window and door mounts, I find them too restrictive. For the most part, I mount my phone on a normal selfie-stick and hold my arm out of the window to film. It's really as simple as that. 😁🚙

[@kennyslater6615]

@@DustBugsTravel Thank you for your feedback. Looking forward to the next video.

[@breitie804]

One aspect that all towns, here and overseas have in common, is the abandonment of churches and religious institutions. That tells a whole significant story in itself, and tells of a shift in the population towards a secular society, where God and prayer no longer have a place. Oddly though, many abandoned churches we see are still in reasonable shape and not vandalised and destroyed as much as ordinary buildings. What does that tell us? It tells us that there is still some residual respect for these institutions that have served humanity for thousands of years, good and bad.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yes, it's very interesting that some of the churches, albeit non-functional anymore, remain intact for the most part and we've marvelled at this since we started travelling to all these smaller towns. It was exceptionally sad to see this unique Catholic Church being vandalised to the extent it has. Fortunately some beauty always remains and we'll hang on to that! Thank you for your insight into this phenomenon. 🚙💒

[@user-nj4ny8ye6r]

Julle wys te min van die dorpe en stede , bv van Bedford , julle ry te veel rond , en wys te min van die klein dorpe , sterkte en bly veilig

[@DustBugsTravel]

These videos are of our travels and we just love driving around! We actually do show a lot of small towns too! 🚙😁

[@ReformedVicar]

That's the Ghaapse mountains aren't they?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I don't think so, I think they might be further North. The closest mountains to Marydale and Draghoender seem to be the Westerberg and the Groot Witberge, but I'm really not sure. ⛰️

[@ReformedVicar]

@@DustBugsTravel thank you, that makes more sense. Thanks for the lovely program

[@FlorinaOtto-ep9xz]

So haar seer dat sulke mooi plekke tot niet gaan

[@sidneyoreilly1135]

All these little towns you been visiting have Lost interest in the joy of swimming

[@waswe4204]

Stem saam.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Sidney Oreilly I think the cost of upkeep, chemicals, cleaning, etc fall way down on the priority list to spend money on. And in the Northern Cape especially where I would've thought we'd find many operational ones with their hot climate. 🚙🏊🏼

[@BrendonSchaferCT]

Glory days gone by at Draghoender. I guess we just do not travel by train anymore - too unreliable and become dangerous too, so places like this cannot function anymore. You guys are having a ball. Enjoy.

[@DustBugsTravel]

In my mind's eye, I can still imagine the train arriving and departing at Draghoender Station and that hotel blew my mind. Although it's sad to see the destruction, we still enjoy exploring parts of our country we've never even knew existed. 🚙🐓

[@BrendonSchaferCT]

@@DustBugsTravel you right there. I always saw middle Karoo as being empty, but you are showing otherwise. Looks like it has even had good rain recently.

[@neilcombrink5231]

Try korinburg it's alot shorter lol

[@DustBugsTravel]

Not sure what or where korinburg is. Google also doesn't know. 🤷‍♂️ Perhaps a misspelling on your part. LOL. 😁

[@neilcombrink5231]

@@DustBugsTravel it in the western Cape on the N7 past moorreessburg it's small town😂

[@rorysullivan4913]

Looking at this clip again I can't believe a church building like this can be left to go to ruin. Surely it can be used for something. Just saying.

[@DustBugsTravel]

And I agree with you 100%! I always think every building can be repurposed instead of being destroyed, but this particular one must've been so incredibly beautiful once completed and it's a disgrace that it was allowed to go to ruin like that. 💒😥

[@lorenv44]

As goes the Draghoender Hotel....so goes South Africa. So so sad. But this country is ruined.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I must admit, what remains of the Draghoender Hotel really made me sad, especially thinking of what the building must've looked like once upon a time. 😥 We cling on to the beauty that does remain though and fortunately we still find plenty. 🚙🇿🇦