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
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#DustBugs #adventure #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #bloemfontein #freestate
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[@LeratoShebe]

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

[@beryl9538]

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

[@mrvipworlwide2269]

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

[@joannemoore1729]

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. 😢

[@chyduispelser1022]

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!

[@user-un5rv2fr5i]

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 KZbin 😎

[@beryl9538]

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

[@unimatrixzero7745]

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

[@refilwek2450]

My home town now i am really home sick❤

[@axelmertens7762]

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]

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. 🚙😁

[@emilyrakhetsi8652]

Iyo the sky is so blue 💙 😍 😩

[@johndavids6007]

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

[@dawnbarnes1361]

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

[@yvonnecoetzee3508]

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

[@brianwilkinson2715]

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.

[@dawnbarnes1361]

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

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

Bloemfontein is beautiful!!!!

[@bloembloem7820]

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

[@charlietreston4035]

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

[@user-wk4po9tg9f]

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 😊😊

[@mk-xq1tt]

Lovely episode.

[@lee-anneadams9222]

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

[@terrencelowery7524]

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.

[@user-se3we1et5o]

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]

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]

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

[@mariusroos]

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

[@ChristianClass64]

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

[@windsorliu]

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

[@kilimanjarobottom_up941]

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

[@robmulhall]

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.

[@theexperimentalcqdx4208]

Lovely you're back again we missed you both

[@rosemarymoolman6765]

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.

[@angieswartz4676]

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

[@deonzar]

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

[@Huvers]

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

[@stephenmeintjes3319]

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

[@user-un5rv2fr5i]

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

[@hermanlochenberg6397]

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.

[@renewittstock171]

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

[@1812nico]

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!

[@HannesWilken-zg2xg]

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

[@annawitter5161]

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 ❤❤❤

[@sharonmeier7688]

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!!

[@terrimeyer3815]

WHOOP whoop 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉WHOOP

[@internationalnici6328]

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

[@user-ly7dt8ky2n]

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

[@sweersable]

Welcome back!!!

[@user-nx3ie1rh7p]

Hi Sonja and Curtis, I have started watching your channel on KZbin 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]

You need to come and see Estoire it's growing

[@user-un5rv2fr5i]

So glad to see you guys back ❤

[@eurafrican85]

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

[@annacassisa9151]

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

[@ajlau8975]

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

[@majbudricks5404]

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

[@eurafrican85]

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

[@ChristopherReichert-km2ww]

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]

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.

[@dodiendalgety8908]

Awesome, thanks. Guys, missed you

[@Hongaars1969]

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).

[@deborahclarke8107]

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! 💕💕💕💕

[@terrimeyer3815]

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 ❤❤

[@frederikbrits9559]

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

[@user-nx3ie1rh7p]

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

[@moketegordon475]

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

[@vonrecht1236]

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.

[@davenewbitt]

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. 😉

[@hermanlochenberg6397]

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.

[@hermanlochenberg6397]

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. ❤

[@Hongaars1969]

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]

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!

[@toscabrutus1781]

Bloemfontein is interessant en Mooi! Groete uit Lima Peru

[@hermanlochenberg6397]

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.

[@emileheusd2958]

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]

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!

[@bloembloem7820]

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

[@marktintinger7492]

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

[@DustBugsTravel]

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]

I lived in Bloemfontein a time.

[@susannaemmerich1166]

🙃👍🙏🎶🎶💕🇿🇦

[@samsonkjoseph6087]

Baie uiters dankbaar

[@Helgardt6189]

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

[@DustBugsTravel]

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. 🚙😁

[@tonyrichards9794]

What's the best shopping mall in Bloemfontein?

[@DustBugsTravel]

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. 🏤🛒

[@tonyrichards9794]

Does it snow in Bloemfontein?

[@DustBugsTravel]

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

[@user-nx3ie1rh7p]

@@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]

Sorry to correct you it,s franskraal

[@miamdu5888]

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

[@DustBugsTravel]

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]

@@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!

[@funkdunk]

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...

[@juanetteoosthuysen6600]

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

[@user-tv9ph6wl2l]

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

[@DustBugsTravel]

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]

Sonja reveal at 30000 subscriptions

[@deonellis8577]

"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]

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]

Lekka Vrystaat