Why it's still good to live in Oranjemund!

Michael Alexander · January 30, 2009, 05:29:32 AM

For all you city slickers, here's the result of a poll carried out on NEWs24 about living in the rural area....

Stephanie Van Niekerk · January 31, 2009, 09:32:47 AM

Quote from: Michael Alexander on January 30, 2009, 05:29:32 AM
For all you city slickers, here's the result of a poll carried out on NEWs24 about living in the rural area....

And I thought I was the only one reading and doing those polls. As it happen, I am one of the people who vote rural live means better living. I really do not like city life but have to stick it out or catch a very desperate, very old, wealthy man. Any one able to send me a list of candidates?

Diana Rudd (Boehme) · January 31, 2009, 12:44:11 PM

I'm also looking for one of those filthy rich old men preferably on a ventalater.(sp)

Stephanie Van Niekerk · January 31, 2009, 03:05:34 PM

Diana, if and when I find one I will share him with you.
With a bit of luck we will only be sharing his bank account.
In the mean time I will read up on how to disconnect a ventilator bye_bye.
This is gonna get me into the bad books of many.

Please ... I am only joking. Well about the disconnect part. The rest I am serious about.

Diana Rudd (Boehme) · January 31, 2009, 07:31:49 PM

I'll Google disconnect ventilator and let you know what I come up with.

Bertie Horak · February 01, 2009, 03:57:22 AM

Drove to Bonnievale yesterday morning, met up with a farmer there who's thinking of moving back to his smallholding (currently renting out the land to a guy who's not looking after the place properly). He's interested in farming medicinal herbs and wants me to join him and his wife. The people in the rural areas are just wonderful. I walked around in the small town - lots of antique shops, and wow, what fresh air! Everything revolves around the church, hotel, school, retirement home, and general dealer.
For instance, I had to meet the people at the hotel early morning. As I entered the town, i asked an elderly local lady walking on the side of the road clearly on her way to work with an apron and "kappie", if she could tell me where the hotel was. She answered with the most friendly (and toothless) smile: "Ja meneer, dis daa bydie bar, meneer!" I cracked up laughing when I drove away - The hotel is at the bar of course, how could I ask, who needs directions if you know where the local bar is....??
Well, my mind is working overtime - I WANT to move there, and I have 3 weeks to give them an answer. So much to think about, I am in quite a whirlwind of thoughts. HELP!
Will there be a market for my produce? Will we succeed in growing the herbs? Will it be profitable if I process the herbs myself? How will I generate an income in the first year or two when the herbs are still growing? Will I get a buyer for my current property and/or practice? Should I keep my dental stuff and set up a small practice in the rural area and sell the house only? OH I HATE UNCERTAINTY AND THE RISK OF WALKING INTO THE UNKNOWN!!!!

Gerrit Venter · February 01, 2009, 05:28:18 AM

Hi Diana and Stepanie
I know a few stinking rich, unmarried guys, but that is why they are rich!!
Good luck keep on looking . it is good to read all your comments

Have a lovely weekend. Regards

Patricia Lotte · February 01, 2009, 05:35:09 AM

Quote from: Bertie Horak on February 01, 2009, 03:57:22 AM
Drove to Bonnievale yesterday morning, met up with a farmer there who's thinking of moving back to his smallholding (currently renting out the land to a guy who's not looking after the place properly). He's interested in farming medicinal herbs and wants me to join him and his wife. The people in the rural areas are just wonderful. I walked around in the small town - lots of antique shops, and wow, what fresh air! Everything revolves around the church, hotel, school, retirement home, and general dealer.
For instance, I had to meet the people at the hotel early morning. As I entered the town, i asked an elderly local lady walking on the side of the road clearly on her way to work with an apron and "kappie", if she could tell me where the hotel was. She answered with the most friendly (and toothless) smile: "Ja meneer, dis daa bydie bar, meneer!" I cracked up laughing when I drove away - The hotel is at the bar of course, how could I ask, who needs directions if you know where the local bar is....??
Well, my mind is working overtime - I WANT to move there, and I have 3 weeks to give them an answer. So much to think about, I am in quite a whirlwind of thoughts. HELP!
Will there be a market for my produce? Will we succeed in growing the herbs? Will it be profitable if I process the herbs myself? How will I generate an income in the first year or two when the herbs are still growing? Will I get a buyer for my current property and/or practice? Should I keep my dental stuff and set up a small practice in the rural area and sell the house only? OH I HATE UNCERTAINTY AND THE RISK OF WALKING INTO THE UNKNOWN!!!!

Difficult choice to make Bertie, but just remember that everything happens for a reason and that you must cease the opportunities that life gives you. Not sure what the distance is between your current practice and Bonnievale, but could you not do say 2 days a week in Bonnievale and 3 days at your practice until you're in a better position to decide?

Bertie Horak · February 01, 2009, 08:08:12 AM

No Patricia, it's a bit too far - about 180km including a toll road. Just a bit too far for me to commute. My wish is to pack up completely and start afresh on the platteland. Any body want to buy a dental practice?

Diana Rudd (Boehme) · February 01, 2009, 10:13:00 AM

Quote from: Gerrit Venter on February 01, 2009, 05:28:18 AM
Hi Diana and Stepanie
I know a few stinking rich, unmarried guys, but that is why they are rich!!
Good luck keep on looking . it is good to read all your comments
Have a lovely weekend. Regards

Any of them on a ventilator?????

SandyB · February 01, 2009, 11:31:05 AM

Bonnievale .. beautful place and the name says it all ... I used to stay ver there weekends for cycle tours when they had the bonnievale festival .. .. the owner of the hotel and his wife sort of " adopted " me each time i stayed ... good memories ..

Michele Alexander (Voden) · February 01, 2009, 12:43:11 PM

Bertie - I don't envy you your position at the moment - and unfortunately you're the only one that will be able to make the decision. Follow your heart and see where it leads you, once your mind has been made up you can only look forward and make the most of the decision you have made. Hope you will keep us updated!

Diana Rudd (Boehme) · February 01, 2009, 01:44:49 PM

As Michelle says don't envy your position...I do believe in ones gut feeling. One also need to take chances to grow. You could always be the local dentist if things don't work out. Yes, the uncertainty and risk, you won't know untill you've tried. What will be will be. Well thants my expert advice....

Michael Alexander · February 01, 2009, 03:00:58 PM

Is there no dentist in Bonnievale yet? I think that the market will be too small out there to support you.... however if you maybe produced out in the country and found a way to market in town..... Just my 2cents...

Bertie Horak · February 01, 2009, 04:05:00 PM

A dentist from Swellendam comes through only twice a week. Looking for his number at the moment, I would like to "locum" if he needs one, or do his emergencies or even see patients alternative days. That would really be great, then I can concentrate on growing herbs more, and practice herbal medicine without the hassle of running a dental practice with everything that goes with it. I'm not looking for a dental market.