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indwe magazine – July 2005
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Bloemfontein Blooming
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Text: Jana du Plessis
Images: © South African Tourism |
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| A single pink rose. It glistens in the morning sun, with dewdrops slowly making their way down its taut body. Not a scarce sight in Bloemfontein, but the opening of a writer’s eyes to a place where roses and people live in unity. | |
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| Bloemfontein is a place that is often overlooked by tourists. Traditionally this city has served the tourists mostly as passers by, making a quick stop before heading on their way to the coast. But wait, Bloemfontein deserves more of your time than a mere filling up of your tank and tummy. Give it some of your time and you will discover a city that opens up its many gifts to you. Bloemfontein is appropriately named the ‘City of Roses’, as the streets and parks come alive with row upon row of these delightful plants. The mesmerising smell of the petals hangs over Bloemfontein like a soft cloud, and parks and gardens are scattered around Bloemfontein like the pieces of a puzzle in a child’s room – there’s one in every corner. The city is the proud host of the Free State National Botanical Gardens, Franklin Nature Reserve, The Orchid House, Maselspoort Pleasure Resort, State President Swart Park, and King’s Park with its more than 4,000 rose bushes. All of these parks are kept in an immaculate condition all-year round, ensuring the city remains as beautiful and attractive as the roses for which it is named. The Sand du Plessis Theatre, in many ways, represents Bloemfontein’s cultural heartbeat. One of the world’s most modern and technically advanced theatres, glittering in gold and shining in marble, the ‘Sand’ serves as a popular night-out to both locals and visitors. Bloemfontein is full of small treasures. One such treasure is the Loch Logan Waterfront, a fairly new development in the city. Overlooking a dazzling lake, the Waterfront is a popular venue for pub lunches, shopping and entertainment. The restaurants are casually situated on the water’s edge, creating that out-of-town feeling. For the artistic soul, there are enough arts and crafts in and around the city to please the eye and suit the pocket. The Oliewenhuis Art Gallery is definitely worth a visit. With its neo-Cape Dutch design and intriguing history, the art itself becomes a bonus to the tour through the house. Kings Park, located in close proximity to the Waterfront, draws thousands of people to its monthly art market. Curios, bargain items, a variety of food and drink, combined with music, artists and roses make for a memorable day trip. Much of the city’s inspiration comes from its history that lies on the pavements, breathes through the buildings and shines through the people. The tree-lined President Brand Street, a national monument, speaks of a history that dates back centuries. The CR Swart Building, which houses the Provincial Administration, is the ‘Pride of the Free State’ with a 26th-floor revolving restaurant. The National Women’s Memorial is a must-see as it was erected in memory of the thousands of women and children who died during the Anglo Boer War. The adjoining War Museum provides an honest and moving display of the complex South African history. Naval Hill, just ten minutes from the centre of the city, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, and at night you will feel like Aladdin flying on a carpet over a sea of lights. The Franklin Game Reserve, which forms part of Naval Hill, is perfect for a day of relaxation in close proximity to the game. Also on Naval Hill is the Lamont Hussey Observatory, which has been converted into a charming theatre. Bloemfontein is synonymous with education. Grey College, one of the best-known schools in the country, is celebrating its 150th year of existence in 2005 with sport, music and culture festivities. This school with its proud history has produced more Springbok rugby players, Protea cricketers, and professional tennis players than any other school in South Africa. Today it is also make huge strides in its transformation efforts. From primary to secondary education, and through to tertiary education, Bloemfontein can compete with the best in the country. The University of the Free State is one of South Africa’s oldest universities, having celebrated its centenary in 2004. The campus is impressive with its magnificent buildings, and its six faculties include Economic and Management Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Law and Theology. Numerous hostels and student residences are situated on and close to the campus, allowing students from far and wide to become part of the true spirit of the Free State. Bloemfontein offers a wide range of accommodation, ranging from 5-star hotels to personalised guest houses and cosy B&B’s. Kleine Eden Guest House, twice the winner of the AA Travel Guides Accommodation Awards, is the perfect place to relax, unwind and take some time off from a business meeting. With easy access to and from the N1, this Guest House truly reflects a Garden of Eden with water features, angels and plants guiding the guest to exquisite bedroom suites. The two owners, Michiel and Zanette Otto, have a wonderful gift of creating a homely and welcoming ambience, with great attention to every detail. Bloemfontein is developing at a fast pace, both as a tourist destination and a centre of business and industry in the Free State. The city is going from strength to strength, but amidst the change there remains one constant – the beauty of its roses and the friendliness of its people! See you at the Bloemfontein Rose Festival in October! |