A tour of VELDDRIF, South Africa - Where Berg River meets Atlantic Ocean!
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- Hi everyone! In this video, I explore the town of Velddrif, situated in the Western Cape of South Africa. It is less than 150 kilometres from Cape Town and situated near the mouth of the iconic Berg River.
This is one of my longer vlogs, which I had to film over several days due to bad weather. For ease of reference, I have included chapters below.
The vlog starts with me walking from the Berg River Municipality building towards the river and the Carinus Bridge. This bridge connects Velddrif with Cape Town and was undergoing reinforcement works when I visited. I talk about life before the Carinus Bridge and how people needed to use a pontoon ferry to cross the river. I also get the chance to speak to one of the project managers of the bridge reinforcement.
I then walk briefly along the bridge and talk about the economy in the area, before the rain forces me to seek refuge in the nearby Riviera Hotel. The rain quickly subsides and I talk more about the name of the town as well as the river. Because the river mouth is so close to Velddrif, the river is quite salty at times. I mention an interesting story about the Dutch ship De Gouden Buys, whose sailors had an encounter with the salty water.
With the rain taking a break, I leave the hotel and talk more about the community. The residents of Velddrif stem from different countries and nationalities. You will encounter Italian, Danish, Dutch, German and other surnames during your visit.
I quickly stop for another coffee at Sparrow before visiting the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk Velddrif). I also walk around the outskirts of Velddrif High School and share an interesting story from one of the books I've read, which also hits home with me as someone who grew up in another fishing town.
Next, I visit the iconic Bokkomlaan, the oldest street in Velddrif. Unfortunately, the various drying sheds or 'vishuise' were not open. I did, however, try a rooibos latte at Columbine. I also give more information about the history of the area, including details about the Melck and Smit families who were prominent land owners in the area. I then head back into town to try my luck with a bokkom at the stall of 'Die Kaas Oom' and explore the famous Pelican Harbour area.
My next stop is Laaiplek (meaning 'loading place'). The areas of Velddrif, Laaiplek, Port Owen and Noordhoek are all adjacent to each other and form a unit. I talk about arguably the most famous resident of Laaiplek, Carl Stephan and his contribution to Laaiplek and the West Coast in general.
I also explore the wider area and briefly visit Nossab Fisheries and the Laaiplek Hotel, where I talk about Velddrif in the 1930s and 1940s. I also visit the local museum and New Hope Ministries, where young artisans are taught technical skills.
Time for lunch! I visit a restaurant - Die Vis Vlekhuis - and order some hake and chips, before exploring more of the harbour area including the Lighthouse Gift Shop and Deli, where I buy a fridge magnet and enjoy an ice cream.
Later in the harbour I notice several people restoring anchovy fishing nets and talk more about Carl Stephan, before getting a tour of one of the fishing boats. I also meet one of my subscribers in the harbour who live in the area and talk about what it it is like to live there.
In the final part of the vlog, I visit Rooibaai, the previous name of Laaiplek until 1948. My understanding is that this was the site of the original loading place which Carl Stephan developed. A local resident invites me to her house where she shows me an old map of the area and also talks about the origin of the name Rooibaai. After this visit, I talk about how Velddrif inspired a popular song in South Africa.
I hope you enjoy this video of beautiful Velddrif and Laaiplek! If you haven't done it yet, please hit the LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE to the channel and leave a COMMENT for me in the comments section.
Disclaimer: Please note that I have not been sponsored by any individual or company in the production of the video.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:26 Maps
1:48 Walk to Berg River
3:12 Carinus Bridge
6:32 Economy of Velddrif
7:54 Rain storm & Riviera Hotel
9:14 The name Velddrif, conservation & estuary
10:11 De Gouden Buys
11:14 Shopkeeper
12:22 Rainbow town of surnames
13:27 Coffee
14:50 Church
17:59 School
19:10 Arriving in Bokkomlaan
20:02 What bokkoms are
20:24 The name bokkoms
21:19 Art shops & traffic jam
21:43 History feat. Cruywagen, the Melcks & the Smits
24:22 Jetty
24:48 Rooibos latte
25:54 Farms & migration
28:30 Flamingos
28:50 Eating bokkom
31:58 Pelican Harbour
33:49 Arrival in Laaiplek
34:36 Carl Stephan street
34:55 Factories & fishing
36:44 Carl Stephan recruits
37:41 Italian role
38:10 Nossab fisheries
38:58 Laaiplek Hotel
39:46 1930s
42:24 1940s
43:50 Museum
46:13 New Hope Ministries
51:48 Lunch
53:27 Gift Shop
54:37 Ice cream
56:13 Fishing nets
56:21 More Carl Stephan
57:15 Boat visit
1:02:31 Subscriber
1:03:35 Rooibaai
Happy exploring!
Willie
![Living in Durbanville, Cape Town [EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW]](/img/n.gif)
That's my daddy. 😊 Proud of you ❤
Hi Belinda! No way! Thank you so much for watching and commenting, I appreciate it :)
Thank you, Willie, really enjoyed this epic vlog! Full of information, as always, I love learning about places. More beautiful artwork and the food looked amazing, especially the that ice cream! The locals are so friendly and that lovely lady at the end inviting you into her home😊. How wonderful to be able to see that sunset every night!
Hi Sheila! Really pleased you enjoyed this vlog. Yes, it is a bit longer than my usual ones, but I experienced so much in Velddrif. The food on the West Coast of South Africa is generally excellent. The ice cream was a highlight for sure! The lady at the end was so proud of her map from the 18th century and it is evident that she enjoys living there. Cheers for all your support!
This was a very interesting blog about Velddrif. Well worth the viewing and now I too want to visit Velddrif. Thank you. This proves that SA has the friendliest people in the world and are ranked no. 1 for friendliness.
Hi Denis, thank you very much for your kind words and support! The West Coast is a special part of the world and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Wooowww Willie, this is probably one of your best videos ever, how much I Enjoy watching this, many times over now!!
Marvelous!!!
All the history, the exploring!
Utterly Amazing!
The workshop and the fishing boat! Local foods! This is like no other channel!
Cheers 🍺🍺🍺
Hi Bip! Really delighted to hear that you enjoyed this video, thank you very much for the kind words! The video is a bit longer than usual but there were just so much to show. Always a pleasure!
There's no getting away from it, we are a friendly, welcoming nation. 🇿🇦
So true Archie! Thanks for watching and supporting my channel!
Yes ou Arch!
Groot dankie Willie. Hierdie is beslis 'n bobaas verslag oor Velddrif. Jy het my volle andag deur die hele video gehad. Ek het selfs help blaas toe jy daai warm vis eet! 😂❤
Hallo Errol! Baie dankie vir die goeie terugvoering, ek is bly jy het dit geniet! Daar is darem maar mooi plekke in ons land. Haha daai vis was warm maar vreeslik lekker. Goed gaan!
Sjoe Willie ek het nou toevallig op jou blog afgekom. Wat 'n vreugde om jou passie te sien en te kon ervaar. Ek was verlede jaar omtrent hierdie tyd vlugtig in Velddrif en Laaiplek en het nooit besef hoeveel wonderlike geskiedenis omvou die plekkie nie. Ek het my hart verloor langs die Weskus❤... my man deel egter nie dieselfde passie nie 😊 Ons woon in die dorre Noord Wes 😊
Hallo Trudie, baie dankie vir jou mooi boodskap! Ek is verheug dat jy die video geniet het! Daar is baie geskiedenis rondom dorpies en plekkies oral in Suid-Afrika en ek geniet dit om bietjie navorsing te doen. Ek was nog nooit in die Noord-Wes nie en beplan sommer 'n paar videos volgende jaar daar. Groete en nogmaals dankie vir die ondersteuning!
I really like your videos in South Africa, I'd love for you to keep making more and more, thank you and good luck! 🍀👍
Hi Cecilia, I'm delighted that you enjoy them! South Africa is a great place to film content and of course it is my home country, so extra special! I'm taking a sabbatical in 2025 where I'm planning to produce several vlogs in South Africa. There are so many places to explore, and often off the beaten track. Thanks for all your support!
@@willieexplore 💝👍
Weer 'n unieke en great video, Willie Explore! Mag jy hoogtes bereik!
Baie dankie Jasper, waardeer groot! Groete en geniet
Stephan family 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Oh yes! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
Thank you for an other first-class video plenty of information about the place informative and taking your time filming a truest traveller for presentations and making preparation to gather right areas to see thanks willie!
Hi Simon! Appreciate your kind words, as always! I had a great time in Velddrif and it is a pleasure showing you around virtually. Have a good one!
Hey Willie good to see you again my friend hope everything is ok with you over there, You took a long break after Thailand , I assume it's currently winter season in South Africa , please continue showing us such cool places off the beaten path and keep up the good work my man 💪👍
Great to hear from you my friend, as always! All good here, I just didn't have a lot of time to travel. I'm taking a sabbatical from work later this year and the plan is to do more travelling then. Glad you're enjoying these South Africa videos, I will most definitely spend time there during my sabbatical as well. Appreciate your support and encouragement!
Kia Ora Willie. Thank you so much for sharing beautiful Velddrif. I would love to visit this amazing Town, when I am on holiday in Cape Town again. Keep up the great work! Greetings and much aroha from Aotearoa.☺❤
Kia Ora Mathilda! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! Definitely worth a visit when you get the chance. There are so many amazing day trips or weekend trips from the city. Much to look forward to!
Willie dankie vir die Video! Ek ken Velddrif baie goed en ken n paar mense daar! Lekker wyn daar ook! Groete uit LIma Peru!
Geniet hom Tosca! Velddrif is 'n wonderlike plek. Groete daar in die verte!
Thanks Willie. Love Veldrif.
Dankie Hannelie! Waardeer groot!
Great video Willie! Very informative and I learnt a lot that i never knew.
This was an amazing vlog, so many angles and things to see. Pro stuff 👍
What a wonderful comment to receive, thank you! Really pleased you enjoyed it, it is a great town to explore!
Dankie vir n fantastiese inset. Ek woon hier in Velddrif, en dis so mooi.
Baie dankie, Kobie! Ek waardeer dit baie. Bly jy geniet dit. Groete
Dit is n stunning video van ONS dorp!
Dit was 'n groot voorreg, Petra. Het lekker gekuier!
I drove past you while you were filming. Thanks for a great review
Nice one, Pieter! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!
Pragtig Willie, hou so aan! Geniet jou altyd.
Baie dankie, ek waardeer dit opreg!
First time seeing you blog . Enjoyed every moment of this very informative you tube blog of yours . This is about my interest. I will definitely be looking out for more from you. A BIG thank you
What a wonderful message to receive, thank you! I'm delighted that you enjoyed my video and I'm grateful for your support!
One super channel! Very very informative. I have subscribed and liked. THANK YOU WILLIE. ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! A wonderful message to receive. I hope my channel will give you lots of joy going forward :)
Started watching your vids today loving so far very much in detail.👍
Hi there! Glad you enjoy my videos, I always try to make them as informative as I can. Thank you for supporting my channel!
Awesome ...very well done video...thanks 😊😅😮
Thanks Valerie, I really appreciate your support!
😀Hi Willie I'm a new subscriber. I like your vlog that's great content and your info and interaction with locals & the working class are just spot on, I especially like how you go and eat the local foods, lekker hou so an!!
Hi Julian! Thanks for subscribing and supporting my channel! Glad you enjoy my videos. It is a pleasure!
Baie dankie Willie. Ons geniet jou videos.
Dis 'n groot plesier, Christoffer! Ek is dankbaar vir julle ondersteuning! Mooi bly
Baie dankie vir hierdie mooi bydrae! Saterdag het ek Afrikaaners ontmoet in Frankfurt am Main. Ons het lekker met mekaar gesels. Hulle het vir my gevra hoekom ek baie weet oor Suid-Afrika, toe se ek vir hulle ek kyk gereeld na Willie Explore! Hoffenlich machst du bald die 10000 Abonnenten voll! Jy verdien dit regtig! Ein Niederbayer grüßt aus dem Saarland!
Hi Franz! Baie dankie vir die mooi boodskap! Haha dit is wonderlik om te hoor, dit is altyd lekker vir Suid-Afrikaners om oor hul land te gesels :) Vielen Dank für Ihre Unterstützung und Ermutigung - du bist der beste!
Dankie vir goeie video, ek en my manlief het jou ontmoet by Laaiplek Hotel. ❤❤❤
Hallo Liza! Was lekker om julle te ontmoet daai dag! Waardeer dat julle saamkyk! Groete
What a lovely vlog Willie. If u ever going to do saldanha let me know then I can meet up somewhere and show u the beaches and restaurants. Would love to be on your vlog. I'm a capetonian and have been living here for 33 years
Hi Mary! Thank you very much for your kind message, much appreciated! I definitely plan to make more vlogs along the West Coast, when I'm back in South Africa. I will certainly get in touch with you if I'm ever in the Saldanha region, cheers! :)
Ek is al vir die afgelope 17jaar 'n "inkommer" hier in Velddrif. Rustige en vriendilike dorpie.... Verruil dit vir niks ❤😄
Dankie vir die saamkyk Sonja! Ek het hierdie besoek baie geniet. Groete!
Baie mooi video Willie ook leersaam
Bly jy het dit geniet Annie! Dankie dat jy my videos kyk en my kanaal ondersteun. Groete!
Pragtig gedoen Willie!!!
Baie dankie, Madelaine! Was great om jou te sien!
you are good at what you do
Thank you for the kind words! Appreciate your support :)
😂thank you so much for this my home town for many years my father inlaw years a fisherman by the name Jan Parker Tolken ❤😊
Hi Verona! You are most welcome - thank you so much for watching and supporting my channel! The Tolkens have made wonderful contributions to the West Coast over many years, and continue to do so. You can be very proud!
Dit was nou fantasties.
Baie dankie, Marthie! Bly jy het die video geniet. Ek waardeer jou ondersteuning!
Baie mooi. Ek bly in Saldanha. Weskus is good for the soul.
Verseker Andre! Dankie vir die saamkyk en die ondersteuning!
Baie oulike video blog. Ongelukkig net vanuit 'n koloniale oogpunt, met die inheemse Khoi se geskiedenis van Khoi koning Odasoa en sy gemeenskappe langs die Bergrivier vanaf Saldanha heel buite die geskiedenis verwysingsraamwerk.
Dankie vir die saamkyk Stan! Dit sal goed wees as iemand daardie geskiedenis waarna jy verwys behoorlik kan dokumenteer. Dalk kan jy sommer 'n vlog maak - ek sal dit graag wil kyk. Groete
Hi Willie. Uitstekende video. Kan sien jy doen goeie navorsing. Ek woon op St Helena baai. Hoop jy maak eendag ook n video van hiedie mooi plek.
Hi Steven, dankie vir jou mooi boodskap en dat jy my kanaal ondersteun! Spesiale wêreld hierdie. Ek beplan 'n groot SA besoek in 2025 en wil sommer baie plekke besoek. St Helenabaai klink na 'n plan!
Dankie ek is daar gebore die brug is so oud soos ek
Dankie vir die saamkyk! Ek waardeer dit. 'n Pragtige dorp met 'n ryk geskiedenis!
yes we have some rivalry but is kids some times is noordhoek is devided in two part oublok and gauteng and sometimes when i guyfox then the rivalry start
Thanks for watching and commenting Jordan, really appreciate your support!
@@willieexplore im gonna follow cause i forgot yesterday
@@jordandutoit6017 thank you very much for the support, I appreciate it!
Kaas man het die bokkoms geskil. Petri Waenjie het met jou in die Hawe gepraat toe jy van die boot afgeklim het.
Ja dit was Petri in die hawe, lekker gesels!
Dankie tog die musem bestaan nog did is so sad in jare trug was daar nie a dorp wat nie a musem gehad het nie en nou is daar niks
Die museum was interessant! Dankie vir die saamkyk :)
R40 coffee at Sparrow? Never to go there!
To be fair it was a reasonably sizable one compared to others
i have a france surname that is DuToit and my great granmother is from st helena island
Lots of French in South Africa of course too!
The yacht could not have gone to St Helena Bay, there is no estuary like you say
You get St Helena Bay the town and St Helena Bay the bay
Did is a jammer dat jy nie die winkel se info in het daar is a paar geod wat ek van daar af will kry
Weet nie na watter winkel jy verwys nie maar jy sal erens besonderhede op die internet kry, ek is seker
Watter kamera gebruik oom
Ek gebruik 'n GoPro. Dankie vir die ondersteuning!
@@willieexplore Jissas, ek is miskien as oud as jou....Is ons al regtig ooms? 😭
@@Weiseorgelspieler nee wat - growing up is optional! :)