25 January 2025
Just a side note to remember that tonight the 7 planets align.
We left around 5 in the morning, lock, stock and barrel and arrived on Thursday evening, the 16th of January, after 13 hours of driving.
I have to admit that I left home with a heavy heart, as I had been cherishing every precious moment with my family, especially my newest grandchild, Lian Levi, who entered the world on the 6th of January.
Slideshow, click on the bracket next to the photo:
My husband, B, has an incredible knack for knowing exactly what I need, and nothing lifts my spirits faster than music. He put together a playlist of Golden Oldies, and we had an absolute blast singing along, diving into the stories behind the songs, and discovering what became of the iconic artists of that era.
We previously visited the Wayside Hotel, ‘stationed’ next to Mareetsane train station in 2019 and met one of the owners, Louise, supported by her husband, Wayne. This time I had the pleasure of meeting Louise’s brother, Nic, who is also a shared owner and his lovely fiancee, Mel. Together they are a formidable team.
I remember fondly that B and I watched the rugby final in the Hotel’s living room. We were the only people and again B seized the opportunity to say that he booked the space just for us.
In 1894, an application was submitted to the Cape government “for the establishment of a wayside hotel and trading store.” It can therefore be reasonably assumed that the hotel opened its doors in 1896 when the railway line reached Mareetsane. The property had several owners until Oupa Willie rented the farm, hotel, and store in 1927 and purchased it in 1931.
On July 1, the 4th generation of the Wessels family took over the management of the hotel. It’s time for the 3rd generation to rest.
Improvements are planned, including an outdoor braai area for hotel guests, and a revamped reception area.
I think the Wayside Hotel features the town as there is no town. Here one can find a bottle store and homemade meals. Louise has started a restaurant with set times and on a Wednesday evening, they have a ‘steak night’ which is very popular.
Slideshow, click on the bracket next to the photo:
After feeling reluctant to leave our beloved farm, Lochloerie, the Wayside Hotel completely amazed me by providing the gentlest, most delightful landing. Every comfort is thoughtfully catered for, but the true highlight is the enchanting garden. I wander through its beauty each morning, seeking a new serene spot for my yoga practice. It feels utterly heavenly as I am surrounded by birdsong, fluttering butterflies, and the shade of majestic old trees. Overhead, eagles gracefully circle, while every corner of this lovingly tended garden exudes care and tranquility.
As we have been travelling for B’s work since 2008, I have been writing about the towns we visit, but in the last few years, I have felt the deterioration of these towns and sadly, couldn’t write anything positive.
This is the first time, I have felt excited to write again… about magical Mareetsane, a wonderful surprise for me.
Wayne and Louise are a power couple for sure and have done a stellar job renewing this 4th generation Hotel. Every little nook and cranny is something to behold and stunning.
They are full of ideas for the future and I so look forward to visiting them again.
Slideshow, click on the bracket next to the photo:
This past Wednesday, I felt honoured to be invited as a guest speaker to the 1st monthly meeting of the VLU (Cape Womans Agricultural Association). Many years ago, around 1992, I was also part of this association in Potgietersrus for a good few years.
We met in this amazing space built just three weeks before the finals.
It was amazing to realise the huge impact that only seven women can have. I was deeply moved by their creativity and dedication!
Mareetsane is indeed fortunate to have such compassionate and innovative individuals supporting their community. What stood out most was the way they tackled a project hands-on, and there were so many creative projects to follow for the coming year!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15cPC2Ak8M/
The write-up was done by Danielle Bothma: (She is also a beauty therapist of note and is opening a new salon in Stella)
https://www.facebook.com/share/1NeTvEXmvN/
VLU Mareetsane kicked off the year on a high, full of inspiration and new energy. On 21 January 2025, they held their first meeting of the year at the local hotel and also enjoyed breakfast. The guest speaker of the day was author Juanita Gagiano, who presented her book “You Are Superblessed”. In her touching speech, Juanita shared her life story, recounting how, on the verge of breaking point, she experienced an event that changed her entire perspective on life. Her message touched and motivated the ladies to face their own challenges and achieve victories. The members then tackled their annual planning, full of courage and with renewed inspiration to move forward. Feel free to contact Juanita about her book:
You are Superblessed Book & Superblessed Journal (English)
Slideshow, click on the bracket next to the photo:
The morning was delightful, spent in warm conversation, enjoying a lovely breakfast, and hearing about all their exciting new plans. They made me feel truly welcomed, and as someone who is often alone, being in the company of seven remarkable women was an absolute privilege and a rare treat. I am overflowing with gratitude and feel truly superblessed for all the support in purchasing my books and journals.
As time is drawing to an end in this lovely garden, I reflect on my short time spent here and I most definitely have to mention our well-mannered angel, Michael, who cleaned and cared for us so wonderfully. He is a rare gift.
Every time I leave a place we’ve stayed at, I take a moment to give heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experiences I’ve enjoyed. Here, every box on my wishlist for a perfect stay was not only ticked but exceeded.
The garden even gifted me a throne nestled within the tree. As I am often lovingly called the Queen of Earth, I felt truly honoured to be bestowed with such a regal seat in this enchanting haven.
The Belhambra’s scientific name is Phytolacca dioica but it is also known as Monkey grape, umbra tree, bobbejaandruifboom, belambraboom of net sommer Wynboom in Afrikaans.
The family’s children called it ‘the magic tree’ One can only imagine the countless adventures the kids over 4 generations have had in its branches.
(28 January 2025) B’s work is taking a little longer and I was blessed with an extra day in the garden.
Yesterday I was superblessed with a photoshoot from Mel @ Mel.FOTOGRAFIE, 0828097272. She is amazing and has been working as a photographer for many years with amazing reviews on her Facebook profile.
Here is her Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/mel.FOTOGRAAF
An invitation for a photoshoot in this magnificent garden…
We will be back as I can highly recommend this wonderful space and you would be superblessed too when you visit the Wayside Hotel.
SUPERBLESSED WITH GRATITUDE