S1 - Ep 396 - Worcester -Steeped in History and Stunning Architecture!

Our visit to Worcester was truly remarkable. The journey from Rawsonville to Worcester, along the scenic old N1 route, treated us to breathtaking mountain vistas. Upon arrival, we were struck by the size and significance of The National Institute for the Deaf and De La Bat School for the Deaf. Although our plans to visit the Public Swimming Pool were foiled by its winter closure, we couldn't help but admire the grandeur of the high diving platform from outside. Worcester, steeped in history and adorned with stunning architecture like the old Dutch Reformed Church, left us awestruck at every corner. Witnessing the Rovos Rail train arriving at the station added a delightful highlight to our trip, showcasing a town that's very much alive. Our visit to Worcester was an unforgettable experience. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #westerncape #worcester
Instagram
/ dustbugstravel
Facebook
/ dustbugstravel

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! What a fascinating trip this was. Those scenic mountains are just spectacular. Worcester may be a 'city' but it still has the charm of the history of the town that Sonia told us. It is so unbelievably neat and well kept over ages! Beautiful churches, stunning old buildings and shops. Surprises at every corner. A station with an actual train! ROVOS no less! I'm glad you managed to get your cupppas on that stormy morning. And imagine leaving Worcester under a rainbow -- wow! I'm ready for the next trip! Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

The mountains in the Western Cape are something else, I'm so glad you agree! 🚙⛰️ A station with an actual train, you said it! 🤩🚆 That was really super cool and, for once, our timing was just about perfect! We struggle to get going without cuppas, so we had to make some kind of plan! That rainbow was absolutely spectacular too, it was as if we were leaving Worcester through a colourful archway. 🌈 Thanks for coming with us, it always means so much to us.

[@thepenelopejones]

Beautifully said about a beautiful town 🤞

[@Beatrizcancelas]

Thank you for this video of Worcester. My brothers went to the school for the blind back in 1976 and stayed on to work in Worcester. I used to visit until 1979 but then left South Africa. Lived 20 years in Africa and never been back. Loved your tour. ❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

Our pleasure, I'm glad you came along and that we could show you a little piece of South Africa! 🚙🇿🇦 We were truly inspired by how much the town and facilities cater for the deaf and blind in Worcester, it was a special experience!

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys what a lovely city town Worcester is full of interesting buildings old and new plenty of churches the mother church on the green had a real English vibe but then you see the magnificent mountains ⛰ and you know you're in SA pool is working great with high diving board .what a treat to see the Rovos passenger train just brings the station alive. The predestination bridge I've walked over bridges just like it in the UK. My favourite thatch was everywhere love it the two schools for the deaf and the blind people a credit to the town wonderful. Hugernoit connection again. Definitely a place with tons of architecture beautiful suburbs it was great when you went into pick n pay everyone wearing Bokke tops I'll be watching Ireland play Nz tonight fascinating place I loved all of it thanks for taking me along cheerio till the next one

[@DustBugsTravel]

I thought you might enjoy some of the old architecture in Worcester, there are some pretty stunning buildings! 💒🏛️ The mountains were indeed magnificent! 😍⛰️ Interesting that the pedestrian bridge over the tracks reminded you of some you've been on in the UK! We're on completely the same page as far as thatch goes, it gives so much character to any house or building! I admire anyone working with the deaf and blind and Worcester is certainly a town doing its part in this department. Enjoy the rugby! 😁🏉

[@desh7120]

Rovos Rail - how thrilling! I had the very good fortune to enjoy a trip from Pretoria to the Victoria Falls. I will never forget it! You really hit the wind jackpot 😳🫣 As always, an absolute joy to accompany you on another wonderful adventure! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thrilling indeed! 😝🚉 Your train journey sounds absolutely fantastic, I can only imagine arriving in Zim and checking out the Vic Falls, that must be a spectacular sight! The wind was rather blusterous in Worcester during our visit. The weather in general was properly upside-down that week and the one thereafter when the superstorm hit! 😳🌧️🌬️ Thanks for coming along to Worcester! 🚙👌🏻

[@volksieza]

Perfect timing, such a pleasure to see, brought back memories ❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

You know us, as long as they're good memories, we're just too happy! 🚙😊 It's awesome to know that you had some special times in our province! 😁

[@volksieza]

@@DustBugsTravel always do, there in 2 weeks time 😍

[@user-sm6yl1ms6x]

Thankyou so much for the footage of Worcester. It will always be in my heart. I stay in Stillwater's in Durban street. You are so blessed to be able to show us the different churches. Keep up the good work.

[@susaneverton5760]

The last I've been in Worcester was in 1969, so nice to watch the videos, thank you.

[@irenemasterson146]

Thank you for this visit our next door neighbour’s Daughter in Bloemfontein went to that school. Was lovely to see. Such a beautiful person.

[@DustBugsTravel]

There are indeed some pretty special schools in this town. 👌🏻 Thank you for coming along to check them out! 🚙😊

[@markduncan-brown4717]

I love the way you guys see in different way.... one sees a steeple one sees cogs. May I call you guys the last voortrekkers ..it is a real compliment. When you out there life comes to you in cool ways. Thanks for filming and like all SA people ..thanks for believing.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Wow, thank you so much for your special comment, which means a great deal to both of us. We'll be just too honoured to be called the last Voortrekkers, although we don't even come close. 😊 We love exploring and often wish we lived a century or more ago when the earth was still relatively unspoilt. We appreciate you watching our videos and are so happy to hear that you enjoy them. 🚙🤩

[@lebraa9233]

Thank you somuch for interesting video information mooie City 👍👍🙏🙏❤❤

[@ronnykenny3965]

Hi Curtis & Sonja. Lady luck was definitely with you as far as the train & church bell goes, what perfect timing 🎉. Have a friend who lives there, haven't visited her yet but hopefully soon😊. Way back in the 1950s my Gran & grandad managed a home for the deaf in EL. THank you once again for a wonderful trip🚗🚗🚗

[@DustBugsTravel]

I know! We were beyond excited about the train as you could probably tell! 🤣🚆 And when we're around for the chiming of a church bell, it's bonus time for us! 💒 Everyone who works with the deaf and blind do absolutely fantastic work, we admire them so much! When you have the opportunity to visit your friend, do it! Hopefully the weather is better when you visit! 🚙😁

[@mariusroos]

Nice drive through Worcester the town where i got married! I know the town and also worked there. Looks still thecsame. Thank you for this refreshment tour. See you on the next trip

[@DustBugsTravel]

So some very fond memories for you in Worcester! 😍 I always thought it's a biggish place, but never realised quite how big until this visit! 😳 I'm glad we could take you back to check out one of your old hometowns! 🚙😁

[@Helgardt6189]

‘n pragtige netjiese skoon dorp.♥️

[@DustBugsTravel]

Indeed, thank you for joining us there! 🚙👌🏻

[@redstonepro-658]

I live there and I like being there

[@wilnamerritt1588]

Such a historical country. Definitely not short on its history. It is just about in every town.

[@DustBugsTravel]

And we're amazed by that every time! 🚙🇿🇦 We always wonder what we're going to see in any town or place we visit, but we're always completely overwhelmed by the history and everything that there is to learn and know about a place. 🤩

[@jeanpatterson4283]

Grew up there from the 60s. Wonderful town. The swimming pool was stunning and well looked after.

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

I just love your enthusiasm. You are enthusiastic about things I love.

[@davidwilliamson2115]

i like the cat

[@deonzar]

So glad you could see the Rovos rail. My last train trip was in 2014...enjoyed it very much. Yes Worcester is a big and always busy town.

[@DustBugsTravel]

You have no idea how excited we were when we heard the train arriving at the station, it's been a while! 🤩🚉 You're lucky to have such fond memories of your train journeys, we haven't travelled long-distance by train yet. It sounds like an awesome experience. 👌🏻

[@MK-gn1nz]

"Rovos rail?? Wowww.." 😅😅

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm telling you, we were in the pound seats that day! 😁 No trains at station after station and then we hit the jackpot with Rovos Rail! Super cool! 😎🚆

[@davidwilliamson2115]

the wind assists in the dropping in the temperature

[@christinagodinho9384]

I enjoy watching your videos. I lived in South Africa for 20 years (18 years in Johannesburg and 2 years in Durban) and now I live in Brazil. I miss South Africa and I still have a cousin living in Kempton Park. Seeing your videos makes me feel like I'm back in South Africa 😊

[@DustBugsTravel]

Greetings to you in Brazil! Thank you, I'm so happy to hear you enjoy our videos! 🚙🇿🇦 You're welcome to hop on board anytime if the longing for our beautiful country becomes a little too much. 😊

[@christinagodinho9384]

Maybe one day I'll decide going for a holiday in South Africa.@@DustBugsTravel

[@Helgardt6189]

My tannie het daar gebly…Aandblom straat Worcester.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm sure she was very happy there, it looks like a great town! 👍🏻

[@braamvanderwesthuizen3310]

Curtis, you drove pass this church, Sonia mentioned it's a Trinity church. I think you missed the tower! The only church I've seen with a smoking pipe on top of the tower where most other churches have a chicken rooster. Very interesting, but I don't know why. Like your Worcester drive!!

[@DustBugsTravel]

That sounds super cool, I'll make sure to check it out next time we're in town 💒 We were trying so hard to figure out what church it was and we couldn't find anything online either. Thanks for coming along! 🚙👌🏻

[@ingeborgvanderveer789]

Jaaaa eindelijk een echte passagierstrein op jullie pad, en die stopt ook nog eens precies als jullie bi) het station zijn 🥳🚂. Dat was het welverdiende wachten waard!! Mooi om te zien dat de trein zowel van buiten als van binnen goed onderhouden wordt. En direct daarna de kerkklok die galmt door de ether. Jullie timing tijdens deze episodes is bijzonder geslaagd. Gezien de naam van dit stadje zou ik niet direct een NG kerk hier verwachten van 200 jaar oud. Ook trouwens niet die loeihoge duiktoren, daar durf ik echt nooit af. Verder zoveel prachtige, historische gebouwen die in goed onderhouden staat lijken, geweldig. Te veel om op te noemen, vele parels along the road zoals het oude Ford gebouw naast de moderne versie. Plus herdenkingsmonumenten en een enorme begraafplaats. Alles een zeer aangename verrassing, ik keek mijn ogen uit op deze in Nederland regenachtige zondag 🎉💒 dus ook hier geen braai weer 😉. Last but not least, hup Springbokkies vanavond tegen de Fransen 🏉🏉🏉

[@DustBugsTravel]

Finally! 😁 Our timing was indeed perfect this time around and all the vacant stations were quickly forgotten when that Rovos Rail train came rushing in. It was fantastic! 🤩🚉 And the chiming of the church bell put the cherry right on top of our Worcester cake! 💒🎂 I'm with you! I won't be diving off that platform any time soon, no thank you! 😳 A rainy day in the Netherlands sounds perfect, we love rainy weather, especially when we're at home! Our Springboks made it with one little point, it was tight! 😨🏉

[@andrevanbeckhoven903]

Ik dank jullie een schitterend video Andre Netherlands

[@annawitter5161]

My ma was born in Worcester. My step-daughter attended the school for the blind, and was badly abused there. O my voet loop na Wellington maar ek gaan Worcester toe! I really think we should all learn some basic sign language. O my voete loop na Kolmanskop, maar ek look Windhoek toe...o verskoon my!! Love the tour of Worcester. I would settle for big town, yes. Ah! The station! Vanaand het ek miere, kan nie stilsit nie. Looks like he station is still alive. Good to see Rovos rail arriving. I wish!!!Here goes a queen. The bells in that church are amazing, so pleased to hear.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Your mama's birthtown! 😍 It seems like quite a lot of people have some or other connection with this pretty town, I find that very interesting. It was just fantastic to see an arriving train at the station for once. And Rovos Rail, no less! It made up a little for all those empty stations we've seen on our travels. We were rather excited about that! 🤩🚆 We're super happy to be around when church bells chime, we just love that sound and always wish it was 12 o'clock so that it can continue for long. We'll take five too though! 💒🔔 Thanks for exploring Worcester with us!

[@jossiesteenkamp9317]

Abused?

[@annawitter5161]

@@jossiesteenkamp9317 sexually, by older children

[@ceciliasaayman6244]

So sorry !!

[@gregorycotton1]

I loved the mountains. No sauce?😁

[@DustBugsTravel]

The sauce is always at hand for Sonia's tomato cocktail and my fried eggs. It's a staple in our house! 🍸🍳

[@nicoellis1465]

What you guys do in my home town and now we're you been and see all

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for watching our video of your hometown! 🚙😍

[@nicoellis1465]

That call the moeder kerk and in that road before Worcester starts was the main road

[@rebeccavanderwalt9920]

Another fantastic video, filled with tons of info. If I may ask, how do your accommodation?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, happy to hear you enjoyed our visit to Worcester. 🚙😁 I'm not quite sure what you're asking about our accommodation. 🤔🏡

[@rebeccavanderwalt9920]

@@DustBugsTravel sorry, typo... how do you find accommodation? Do you use Airbnb or lekkerslaap or something like that?

[@DustBugsTravel]

No worries, all good! 👌🏻 Finding accommodation is Sonia's job. Because we travel so frequently, we have to watch our budget, so she looks on the sites you mentioned and searches on Google until she finds a place that matches both our budget and date. 🚙🏡

[@nelsonchinasamy9857]

When you drive through that town the mountains look close, not really is it. I have been there twice but never explored further.

[@DustBugsTravel]

The mountains are indeed rather close to the town. 🚙⛰️ Perhaps you could check out a little more of Worcester when you're in the area next, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. 😁

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

Ja julle! Alles wat nog nie afgesteel is nie, moet nou agter tralies en slotte bewaar word.... Tot 'n paar jaar gelede kon ons nog naby die monumente kom ,om te lees, en 'n oomblikkie stilstaan om te dink oor die mense wat hier vereer is.......

[@DustBugsTravel]

I also get irritated when I can't get close up to a plaque or monument or such, but I can't let that take away my appreciation and enjoyment of the place. We always take a moment off-camera to talk about what we've seen and the people and events involved. We're very grateful to still be able to see some monuments preserved for the next generation. 🚙🏛️

[@jossiesteenkamp9317]

Pragtige dorp

[@DustBugsTravel]

We thought so too! 🚙😍

[@nicoellis1465]

The 2 church u been mention are belong to the nons

[@teresagillmer9464]

THE fares are so pricey on that train mostly overseas visitors Imsure

[@nicoellis1465]

They call that train tourist train

[@conrayjones9290]

Did you father come from Umtali. I was born there.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Sonia's parents were both South Africans, but spent some time in Umtali shortly after they got married. 🚙🇿🇼 They were very happy there.

[@conrayjones9290]

In what year were they in Umtali?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Oh no, that I won't be able to tell you for sure! 🤷🏻‍♂️ I think around 1951 or so.

[@nicoellis1465]

Coz the mainline runs throw Worcester

[@Manuel21463]

L ike die afrikaanse woorde,,,

[@DustBugsTravel]

You will always hear them somewhere in our conversations! 😁👌🏻

[@Manuel21463]

do you know ALLANRIDGE?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I don't, but I looked it up and I see it's a gold-mining town in the Free State. 🏭

[@jennyhirschowitz1999]

Steeped in the blood, sweat and tears of savage US and UK Imperial neo-colonialism et al ….miss Jenny. Vote Andrew Feinstein and Jeremy Corbyn if you can.

[@DustBugsTravel]

This video is about Worcester in South Africa on the African continent, a world away from the UK, or USA for that matter. 🇿🇦

[@kevindevilliers3572]

Wow, you chose the worst weather to show the town where I grew up in, in the 50's/60's. Certain areas very run down now. I still go there from C.T. once a year. Station in really poor condition. Garden of Remembrance now fenced off. Ugly. Never was in my time. The Moederkerk appears on many postcards etc. Lutheran Church is the German church. Worcester has the biggest School for the Deaf, and also the biggest School for the Blind in S.A. Both very well known. People send their kids there from all over S.A. There are some beautiful Guest houses on farms just outside the town. Some just up the road from where you stayed, in the Brandwacht Valley.

[@annacassisa9151]

CURTIS AND SONIA, THE MOST BEAUTIFULEST CHURCH I,'VE EVER SEEN, WAS IN. GRAAF REINETTE. B/DORP

[@DustBugsTravel]

It is a beautiful church! 🚙💒